Mark

Jesus taught in the synagogue at Capernaum:

• He authenticated His teaching by casting out a demon from the man in the synagogue.
• This was an exclamation point; the people said He taught with authority.
• He showed them the His authority.

Jesus healed Peter's mother in law.

• The crowds gathered and he healed many and cast out many demons. 
• Then he moved on to other synagogues in Galilee.

Jesus had cleansed a leper.

• He touched Him.
  • Jesus didn't need to touch the man to heal him.
  • The man needed the touch; the crowd needed to see him touch him.

Jesus returned a few days later to Capernaum.

• Four men showed that their faith led too works when they lowered their paralyzed friend through Peter's roof into the presence of Jesus.
• His sins were forgiven, he was healed.

Jesus then called Matthew, the tax collector.

• He ate with sinners and tax collectors.
• He then frustrated the Pharisees by claiming authority over the Sabbath, as if He were the one who created it.

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At this point in Jesus' ministry, three things are happening:

• Lives are being changed; healed, restored, forgiven.
• The apostles are growing in faith.
• The religious establishment (priests, Levites, Pharisees, scribes, etc.) is feeling threatened, confused and upstaged or disenfranchised by Jesus.

Mark 3:1-6

Jesus entered the synagogue again; Luke adds that Jesus was teaching.  By now, we can imagine that He probably wasn't received well.  As far as the religious authorities were concerned, He was blaspheming and violating the Sabbath.  Yet, who could deny the healings?  They were clearly watching Jesus closely looking for an opportunity to bring charges and accusation against Him.

There was a man was in the synagogue with a withered hand.  In some extra-biblical accounts it is recorded this man was a stone mason.  He was unable to work because of this hand that would no longer function.  He was ashamed to beg and wanted to return to work, so he asked Jesus to heal him.  Those watching wanted to see if Jesus would heal on the Sabbath.  It's fascinating, because the issue isn't 'could he heal' but if we would do it on the Sabbath.  Their concern revealed their understanding that Jesus could, in fact, heal people.   

It was forbidden to heal on the Sabbath according to the Jewish law; not God's law, but the law as defined by the Jews.  In fact, medical attention could only be offered in life and death circumstances. 

• A woman giving birth might be helped.
• Some infections could be treated.

However, the following are examples of things that had to wait till the next day:

• A broken bone
• You couldn't poor cold water on a swollen or sprained body part.
• A cut might get a bandage, but no ointment could be applied.

In general, injuries could be kept from getting worse, but nothing could be done to make them better.

Now there was no reason this man had to be healed on the Sabbath other than the lesson and testimony Jesus would accompany it with.  Jesus had the man step forward so there was no mistaking what happened and who could cause it to happen.  Jesus challenged the law and tradition.  Could they do good or evil?  Could they save a life or kill?  In His teachings, He said that loving our neighbor fulfills the law. 

Silence!  Not one person understood.  They were focused on serving their law.  None of them looked at this man hoping to see him restored.  Jesus showed them anger at this.  This was likely a moment some would relive again and again.  It seems the only time we see Jesus' anger is when it is at the phony religious folks.  This hardhearted crowd were there to worship God, yet they had no compassion.  Jesus told the man to stretch out his hand.  Everyone would have been able to see the change.  The arm was straightened to extend the hand and it was restored right before their eyes.

They witnessed this and began conspiring to destroy him instead of standing in awe of seeing a tremendous act of the mercy by God.  The Herodians were a secular political organization that supported Rome.  They typically hated the Pharisees but were united with them as a common enemy in Christ.

Mark 3:7-12

Jesus left Capernaum; the time had not yet come to be apprehended and charged.  We can get an idea of how widespread his fame was at the time by the makeup of this crowd.  Those from Jerusalem traveled somewhere around 75 miles.  Idumea is Edom, south of Judea; these folks traveled at least 150 miles to see Jesus.  Tyre and Sidon were northwest about 60 miles.  This multitude was so great, a boat was prepared to escape them for safety's sake. 

The multitude crushed in on Jesus hoping to be healed; the healing touch of Jesus was sought by all.  The crowd recognized His healing power and authority.  The evil spirits recognized who He was and knew His power and authority.  Yet, the religious powers and authorities saw only a threat; a blasphemer and one who disrespected the law.

Jesus warned the evil spirit from speaking of His identity.  He wanted people to discover who He was by what He taught and by what He did, not by what a demon declared. 

Mark 3:13-19

This passage is very reminiscent of Ex 24:1-11 when Moses called Israel's elder leaders to join Him on Mt. Sinai.  Jesus calls some to join Him on the mountain.  He then chose twelve as his apostles to preach the same message He taught, with the same authority and power. 

Some believe there is an order of important, at least it may be Marks order of importance:

• Simon – Jesus gave the name Peter (Rock)
• James - Son of Zebedee
• John – James' brother; Jesus gave them the names "sons of thunder"
• Andrew
• Philip
• Bartholomew
• Matthew – (gift of Jehovah) believed to be the name given to Levi (joined), the tax collector
• Thomas – skeptic; doubting
• James – son of Alpheus, same as Levi; so he's assumed to be Matthew's brother
• Thaddaeus
• Simon – the zealot
• Judas Iscariot

Mark 3:20-21

The crushing multitude never stopped.  It has become so bad, the disciples and probably Jesus Himself couldn't even eat bread without interference.  'His own people' means family or those very close to Him.  When they heard of this fame they went to put an end to it.  They may have done this in an attempt to save Him or preserve their own reputation.

Mark 3:22-30

The scribes were the scholars of the scriptures.  They show here their interest is far beyond just knowing God's word.  They have a political interest also.  They accuse Jesus of having Satan.  This is an accusation of being demon possessed madman.  It's by His possession, they claim, He casts out demons. 

It's hard to know exactly what was in mind when saying Christ had Beelzebub. 

A similar Hebrew phrase is 'Lord of the Flies'.  This may have come from a Philistine idol by the same name; the god fly.  The Jews called this god fly by a similar name meaning 'dung god'. 

Jesus gathered the scribes and explained their flawed logic. 

1. How can Satan cast out Satan?
2. A divided house won't stand
3. Satan couldn't have entered Jesus because He had resisted his temptations.

When men seek forgiveness, their sins can be forgiven; even the blasphemies that come out of

their mouth.  But the one who blasphemes the Holy Spirit won't be forgiven, but condemned.  Accusing Jesus of having an unclean spirit was blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.  This specific meaning is widely debated.  It seems a deliberate and disrespectful slander of the person and ministry of the Holy Spirit can not be forgiven.  The ministry of the Holy Spirit is pointing to the Lordship and redemption of Jesus Christ.

Mark 3:31-35

We see proof that Jesus had brothers – plural, at least 2.  All believers are family with Jesus. 

©2018 Doug Ford