Bible Study with Danelle

As we begin the next chapter of Mark, we find Jesus has entered the synagogue. Inside was a man with a withered hand. Jesus knew that the Pharisees were watching Him to see if he would “work” on the Sabbath.

Jesus calls to the man to come to Him and asks the Pharisees this question:

Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, or save life or to kill?

Mark 3:4

The Pharisees did not say anything. Maybe they did not know what to say or they were trying to catch Jesus doing something they deemed wrong.

What we read next is the true anger that Jesus has against evil. He was angry. This is an emotion that I think gets glossed over sometimes when people think of Jesus. Yes, Jesus was about love, but Jesus expressed justified anger against the evil in the world. It is written Jesus “grieved at their hardness of heart” (v.5).

As a Christian, sometimes I feel like we can’t show anger at evil as it is looked at as not Christ-like. But, justified anger against evil and the works of satan is absolutely ok. In fact, I think it shows we are standing in agreement with God that we are against the evil in this world.

Now, the tricky part is not letting the anger consume you. We don’t want to take harsh actions that would set a bad example for other believers. So when you feel that anger brewing, we need to use that fuel for the positive, not the negative (like Jesus does here). Jesus is like, I don’t really care if you think this is unlawful, I am going to heal this man as it is the right thing to do! However, that sparks even more hatred among the Pharisees and the Herodians (influential Jews who favored the dynasty of the Roman-appointed rulers). They begin plotting on how to destroy Jesus. They were concerned that He would bring about political unrest and they did not want anything to mess-up the good thing they had going with Rome.

As we continue in today’s reading, we find Jesus having to withdrawal to the Sea of Galilee as a huge crowd has come to be healed. They are from various towns and apparently good news has traveled fast. It was so many that Mark writes:

He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, lest they crush him.

Mark 3:9

I can just envision the scene of so many people wanting just one touch from Him. He has healed so many already and I am sure people were desperate. It was probably a scene not much different than today when a celebrity goes out into public. Hands reaching out just trying to get one touch. Everyone pressed against each other trying to get to the front of the crowd. It was probably like something they have never seen before.

Mark then tells us that Jesus went up on the mountain and appointed the twelve apostles. Peter, James, John, Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James, Thaddeus, Simon, and Judas. As the crowds grew, Jesus starts with this small group of men whom He grants the power to cast demons to help Him. He sends them out to preach his teachings and cast out any demons they encounter.

As we see later, Jesus will give even followers this power, and after the resurrection, we too have been provided the God-given power over satan and his demons.

Never forget that evil cowers at the name of Jesus. It is important that we pray in the name of Jesus over our children and our family. Pray in the name of Jesus over our homes to protect ourselves from evil just waiting for a moment of weakness or an opening to invade.

I pray today in the name of Jesus over you and your family. As you continue to walk on this path of growing in your relationship with Christ, satan will try to find a way to attack. He may not attack you directly, but he may try to attack your spouse or your kids. Remember you have the authority, given to you by Jesus, against the evil of satan