And his mother and his brothers came; and standing outside they sent to him and called him. And a crowd was sitting about him; and they said to him, "Your mother and your brothers are outside, asking for you." And he replied, "Who are my mother and my brothers?" And looking around on those who sat about him, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother, and sister, and mother." Mark 3:31–35 (RSV)
Jesus loved His mother and brothers. As He was dying on the cross, He gave St. John the care of His mother. His words in St. Mark's Gospel are not insensitive. His mother and brothers had great concern for His well-being. No doubt they had heard the talk about Jesus. The threats made against Him are no secret. The leaders of the Temple claimed that He was possessed by the evil one. They called Him a blasphemer, worthy of death.
What parent would not wish to protect their child? A child's illness troubles our hearts. How much more knowing that others seek to do them harm? Understandably, Mary sought to take Jesus home. She believed she could keep Him safe from those who would do Him injury.
Jesus cared for his mother and her anxiety for Him. He also sought to do His Father's will. Jesus was willing to set aside the love of His mother for the sake of all who needed Him. He chose the challenge of doing the Father's will over the security of a quiet life in Nazareth.
He looks upon us all as His brothers, sisters, and mothers. He sees us enslaved by sin and death, without hope if He turns aside from the path set before Him. He loves His mother by loving us as fully as He loves her. He goes to the cross and death that we might be His forever.