Mark 3

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Go Deeper

Today’s reading continues a prevalent theme we saw yesterday as well: Jesus came to push back against the status quo. Each of these four “scenes” teaches us something new about Jesus. First, he heals a man on the Sabbath. This was unthinkable, and Mark tells us that this is when the Pharisees began plotting to kill Jesus. Next, we see what a compelling figure Jesus has become, to the point where large flocks of people followed him everywhere he went. Then, he appoints a rag-tag group of 12 disciples to help him carry out the mission God had given him. Finally, we see Jesus redefine the concept of what family looks like in the Kingdom of God.

So, what are we to take away from these four stories that are presented here in Mark 3? The common thread here is the idea that Jesus is looking for who is willing to follow him. In the synagogue, he knew the Pharisees were out to get him and were just looking for reasons to accuse him. As the crowd around him grew and grew, he knew who was following him for the right reasons and who was just there for the spectacle. As he appointed the 12 disciples, he wasn’t looking for the most educated, the most qualified, or the most gifted public speakers. He was looking for whoever was willing to abandon everything for the sake of following him. And then he says, “If you want to be my brother and sister, do God’s will,” and invites whoever is willing to be part of his family. May we as individuals and as a church be the kind of people who are willing and ready to follow Jesus in every circumstance.

Questions

What was the first thing that stood out to you about the character of Jesus in today’s reading?

Reread Mark 3:14-15. What was the number one prerequisite Jesus had for his disciples?

Reread Mark 3:23-29. What does it mean to blaspheme against the Holy Spirit?

Think about the way Jesus redefines family in chapter 3. Why was this such an earth-shattering declaration? What were the implications of that then and now?