Mark 3:7-35 — Jesus Chooses His Helpers & His Family
Main Idea: Jesus is very powerful, and he invites people to follow him and be part of God’s family.
Key Memory Verse: “For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mark 3:35 ESV)
Target Audience: Ages 5–9
The Story Explained
1. Huge Crowds Come to Jesus (3:7–12)
Jesus went with his disciples to the lake, but he could not rest. People came from everywhere to see him—near towns and faraway places. They came because they heard that Jesus was helping people and healing them. So many people pushed forward that Jesus asked his disciples to keep a small boat ready, just in case the crowd got too big. Jesus healed many people, and those with sickness tried just to touch him.
Even the evil spirits knew who Jesus was. They shouted, “You are the Son of God!” But Jesus told them to be quiet. Jesus was showing that he is in charge, even over evil.
2. Jesus Chooses Twelve Special Helpers (3:13–19)
Jesus went up on a mountain and called the people He wanted to be with him. From them, he chose twelve men. Jesus wanted these twelve to be with him, learn from him, help him share God’s good news, and help rescue people from evil. Jesus gave some of them special names, like Peter and Sons of Thunder. These helpers were not perfect, but Jesus chose them anyway. They would learn as they stayed close to him.
3. Some People Say Wrong Things About Jesus (3:20–30)
When Jesus went into a house, the crowds followed him again. There were so many people that Jesus and his helpers couldn’t even eat. Some teachers from Jerusalem said mean and wrong things about Jesus. They said he was helping people by the power of Satan. That was not true. Jesus explained that this did not make sense. He said a house cannot stand if it fights against itself. Jesus was not helping evil—he was defeating evil. Jesus showed that he is stronger than Satan and that God’s Spirit was working through him.
4. Jesus Explains Who His True Family Is (3:31–35)
Later, Jesus’ mother and brothers came and asked to see him. Someone told Jesus, “Your family is outside.” Jesus looked at the people sitting around him and asked, “Who is my family?” Then he said something surprising: “Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” Jesus was teaching that God’s family is not just about being related by blood. God’s family is made up of people who listen to God and obey him.
Applications
1. Jesus Is Powerful and Caring
Jesus helped huge crowds of people. He healed sick people, helped hurting people, and stopped evil from hurting others. Nothing was too hard for him. Jesus is very powerful, but he is also very kind. He never used his power to scare people or hurt them. He used his power to help, heal, and protect.
That means we can trust Jesus. When you feel scared, Jesus is stronger than your fear. When something feels too big, Jesus is bigger. Jesus cares about you just as much as he cared about the crowds. He sees you, knows you, and loves you. Because Jesus is strong and good, you can trust him with your life, your worries, and your heart.
2. Jesus Chooses Ordinary People
The twelve helpers Jesus chose were not famous or important. They were regular men who fished, worked, and made mistakes. But Jesus still chose them to help him.
That shows us something special: Jesus doesn’t only use “super” people. He uses ordinary people who are willing to listen and learn. Jesus can use kids too. You don’t have to be grown-up or perfect. When you listen to Jesus, obey him, and try to do what is right, Jesus can use you to help others. You might help someone by being kind, telling the truth, sharing, or praying for a friend. Jesus loves using ordinary people to do important things—and that means he can use you too.
3. Some People Will Not Understand Jesus
When Jesus helped people, not everyone was happy about it. Some people did not believe him. Some people even said wrong and unkind things about him. That can feel confusing. We might think, “Why wouldn’t everyone love Jesus?” But Jesus knew this would happen. He kept loving people anyway. He kept doing what was right.
Sometimes, kids might say they don’t believe in Jesus. Sometimes they might make fun of him or say things that aren’t true. That can feel hard. Jesus wants us to keep trusting him. We don’t have to argue or be mean. We can be kind, brave, and follow Jesus even when others don’t. When you trust Jesus and do what is right, you are walking the path he wants you to walk—and Jesus is proud of you for that.
4. We Can Be Part of God’s Family
Jesus said something amazing: God’s family is not just made up of moms, dads, brothers, and sisters. God’s family includes everyone who listens to God and follows Jesus. That means you can be part of God’s family too. When you listen to what God says, try to obey him, follow Jesus every day, you belong to God. Being part of God’s family means:
You are loved
You are never alone
God cares about you
Jesus is always with you
You don’t have to earn your place in God’s family. Jesus invites you in because he loves you. When you follow Jesus, you are part of God’s family now and forever—and that is the best family of all.
Discussion Questions
Why did so many people come to see Jesus?
Why did Jesus choose twelve helpers?
What wrong things did some people say about Jesus?
Who does Jesus say is part of his family?
What is one way you can follow Jesus this week?
