Click this link to translate this Bible study into Russian, Chinese, Arabic, German, Spanish, Portuguese, or French.
Scripture reading – Mark 3
Mark 3
Jesus Healed a Man with A Withered Hand (Mark 3:1-6)
Notice that Matthew’s account (Matthew 12:3-10) of Jesus healing a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath is repeated in Mark’s Gospel (Mark 3:1-6). As Jesus’ fame and followers grew, so did the animosity of the religious leaders. Recalling the adage, “The enemy of my enemy is my friend,” we find that the Pharisees and Herodians [the Jews loyal to Herod and Caesar] “took counsel against [Jesus], how they might destroy Him” (Mark 3:6).
Jesus Ordained the Twelve (Mark 3:13-21)
Jesus, however, withdrew from the crowds that followed Him and went “up into a mountain,” and there He called and “ordained the Twelve,” among them was “Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed Him” (Mark 3:13-19). Nevertheless, the sick and afflicted pressed upon Jesus and His disciples “so that they could not so much as eat bread” (Mark 3:20). Though multitudes followed Him, we find that Jesus’ own family sought to “lay hold on Him,” saying among themselves, “He is beside Himself” (Mark 3:21).
Jesus Questioned by His Family and Rejected by His Enemies (Mark 3:21-29)
Thousands followed Jesus and benefited from His miracles (His power to heal and authority over demons). Yet, His half-siblings (“His friends,” literally the sons and daughters born to Joseph and Mary) believed he was crazy, a lunatic (Mark 3:21, 31-32). The religious leaders of the day were numbered among Christ’s enemies (Mark 3:22-30). Mark mentions a delegation of scribes (experts in the law) who came from Jerusalem and accused Jesus of serving Beelzebub, saying, “By the prince of the devils casteth he out devils” (Mark 3:22).
Jesus, in a brilliant but straightforward reproof, reasoned with those religious hypocrites and pointed to the absurdity of their accusations. Jesus asked, “How can Satan cast out Satan?” (Mark 3:23) With a stinging rebuke, Jesus warned, “Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: 29But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation” (Mark 3:28-29).
Spiritual Brethren Closer Than Family (Mark 3:31-35)
Mark 3 closed with Jesus’ half-siblings coming to Him again, but this time with their mother, Mary (Mark 3:31-32). When Jesus was told that His mother and brethren desired to see Him, “He answered them, saying, “Who is my mother, or my brethren? (Mark 3:33) Jesus then answered His question and said, “Behold my mother and my brethren! 35For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother” (Mark 3:34-35).
Closing thoughts –
Why did Jesus liken those who “do the will of God” to being as close to Him as His brother, sister, and mother?
Physical and familial ties are, at best, earthly and temporal. However, there is a kinship and friendship between believers that is spiritual and, therefore, eternal. Why? What is the tie that binds believers? Our mutual love for the LORD and our saving faith in Jesus Christ that binds us. We are brothers and sisters in Christ and joint heirs of the kingdom of God (Romans 8:16).
John 15:12 – 12This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
Questions to ponder:
1) Why were so many people following Jesus? (Mark 3:10)
2) Why did Jesus ordain the Twelve? (Mark 3:14-15)
3) How did the scribes explain Christ’s authority over the demons? (Mark 3:22)
4) What blasphemy did the scribes commit against the Holy Ghost? (Mark 3:29-30)
Copyright © 2024 – Travis D. Smith
* Please subscribe to the Heart of a Shepherd daily devotionals by entering your name and email address at the bottom of today’s devotion.
The Internal Revenue Service recognizes Heart of A Shepherd Inc as a 501c3 public charitable organization. Your donation is welcome and supports the worldwide ministry outreach of www.HeartofAShepherd.com.
Heart of A Shepherd Inc.
7853 Gunn Highway
#131
Tampa, Florida 33626-1611