Bible Study with Danelle

As we continue in this chapter of Mark, we start to see how more people are reacting to Jesus’ message and miracles.

As we read previously, many of the Pharisees are concerned that Jesus will start a public uprising against the Romans and the political climate that has been the norm for a while.

We see the ill and demon-possessed trying desperately to be healed by Him. They have grown in numbers and Jesus has appointed and given the power of casting out demons to his chosen 12.

Now, Mark tells us in verse 20 that Jesus “went home” and His family went to try to “collect” Him saying He was “out of his mind”. Now, we don’t know if “home” here refers to Nazareth or somewhere else that Jesus described as home. What we do know is that Nazareth is not far, just a few days walk, from Galilee where He has mainly been preaching and healing. I am sure by now that word has gotten back to His family in Nazareth and they are concerned. We know from Matthew 13:55-56 that Jesus has four brothers and at least 2 sisters. We don’t know much about Jesus’ early life except his birth and the incident where Mary and Joseph leave him behind accidentally at the temple. So, we don’t know if in Jesus’ younger years how much Mary shared with the other children his birth story or if anything miraculous happened in those years.

What his brothers and sisters do know is that here is the brother they grew up with now being called the Messiah. I don’t know about you, but if my sibling started claiming to be the messiah, I would be concerned too. Especially if I had not yet witnessed any miracles.

Meanwhile, we have the scribes coming from Jerusalem claiming he is possessed by satan. They claim that because the demons listen to Jesus, they must be controlling them as part of His kingdom. Jesus used a parable (as he liked to do) to call out the foolishness of that thinking.

How can satan cast out satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom can not stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.

Mark 3:25-25

Jesus is trying to explain why, if he were satan, would he want to drive out his own demons? He warns them that they are becoming blasphemous. The scribes are giving credit for the works and miracles to satan when Jesus was doing those works through the power of the Holy Spirit. That is considered a blaspheme against God and, as Jesus tells them, is an unforgivable, eternal sin.

I don’t know about you, but hearing those words of unforgivable, eternal sin are not ones that I want to hear when I reach my judgment day.

We finish this chapter with Mary, Jesus’ mother, and a few brothers who have come to see him. Jesus’ reaction when he is told they are there is not exactly what we would expect. His reaction tells us that all of us that are believers in Christ are just as important (or even more important) than flesh and blood. We are all part of His family and are just as valued and treasured as His own family.

I pray as you continue in the reading you remember how important you are to Christ. You are loved beyond measure.