Mark 3:31

Mary, along with Jesus’ half-brothers, finally arrived from Nazareth (cf. Mark 3:20-21). By inserting Jesus’ conflict with the scribes in this story Mark heightened the readers’ suspense about the results of Jesus’ conflict with His family. Perhaps the house where Jesus was was so full of people that His family could not get in but had to send word to Him that they had arrived. This approach reflects normal family relationships. Jesus’ mother and brothers were not being rude but were expecting that Jesus would acknowledge their presence by respectfully coming out to meet them. They wanted to talk to Him privately and to restrain His activity.