So, in the book of Mark, Jesus sends out the twelve to "preach, and he gave them authority to cast out demons." Scripture names the twelve apostles. I've read this passage at least 3 or 4 times in my life. Hopefully more. But this is the first time i really, really read this:
"When Jesus returned to the house where he was staying, the crowds began to gather again, and soon he and his disciples couldn't even find time to eat. When his family heard what was happening, they tried to take him home with them. 'He's out of his mind,' they said." - Mark 3:20-21 (NLT)

Jigga-what?

This sparked a reminder of a recent conversation that galtwish, eightspiders (or is it automatic kafka now?), and i were having at Tops last week... C.S. Lewis writes that say what you will about Jesus, but don't take the easy way out and say that he was "just a great teacher." He was either a lying villain, nuts out of his gourd, or the Son of God Himself.

But i didn't realize how obvious the second option would be, especially to those who knew Jesus best. I never really absorbed the impact of that... His closest loved ones trying to haul him back home because he was clearly two tacos short of a combination plate. (to them, at least)

Powerful, and convicting.

So, i'll ask the question i've been asking myself and my dear friends all the time in recent months... dear ones, are we impacting people in this way? Are doing "what Jesus would do"? Are they thinking we're out of our minds? And if not, why not?

As for myself, i occasionally forget to eat because i'm busy meeting needs, but more often than not, i schedule meeting needs into eating. To my buddies who are faithfully serving the youth at Pine Summit this weekend, i trust your family are freaking out over your heart for those kids. I really do.