Understanding Jesus – Mk 3:20-35
As Jesus’ ministry gained in popularity, He also became more misunderstood and rejected. He has demonstrated His Deity, while slowly unfolding the plan of Messiah, and although attractive, He is found to be either a lunatic, liar or Lord.
20 And He came home, and the crowd gathered again, to such an extent that they could not even eat a meal. 21 When His own people heard of this, they went out to take custody of Him; for they were saying, “He has lost His senses.” (NASB®)
How did Jesus’ family view Him?
The multitudes attraction is so insatiable they prevent Jesus and His disciples from relieving their hunger. His family are concerned for His well being so act to seize control as only a lunatic would allow this mayhem to continue.
Are Jesus’ claims simply those of a mad man?
22 The scribes who came down from Jerusalem were saying, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “He casts out the demons by the ruler of the demons.” (NASB®)
How did the experts view Jesus?
The experts in religious law, aware of Jesus’ power, judge Jesus to be a liar. They are convinced He is definitely not of God so submit He must be controlled by the lord of the flies i.e. His power is obtained from the devil.
Can Jesus be both good and deceptive?
Is it easier to accept any other theory than Jesus being who He claims to be?
23 And He called them to Himself and began speaking to them in parables, “How can Satan cast out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. 26 If Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but he is finished! 27 But no one can enter the strong man’s house and plunder his property unless he first binds the strong man, and then he will plunder his house. (NASB®)
What does Jesus’ power display?
Jesus uses the simple, well understood fact that anything divided against itself cannot stand to refute the religious leaders conclusion. The obvious reality is that for Jesus to perform these miracles He must be Lord of all, able to overcome the forces of evil and vanquish satan.
How do I explain everything that Jesus did?
Am I living in the power of Jesus?
28 “Truly I say to you, all sins shall be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they utter;(NASB®)
What is the outcome of victory over Satan?
By binding the strong man, Jesus opened the way to Godso that every misdeed or misspoken word can be pardoned.
Am I aware of the sin in my life?
Am I aware of my need for forgiveness?
29 but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”— 30 because they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.” (NASB®)
What sin can’t be forgiven?
The religious leaders were unwilling to accept the obvious truth. So as eager as God is to forgive sin, He is also willing to respect our choices i.e. if we honestly reject the work of the Holy Spirit we are then without excuse.
What is stopping me from trusting Jesus?
Have I considered the consequence of rejecting a forgiving God?
31 Then His mother and His brothers *arrived, and standing outside they sent word to Him and called Him. 32 A crowd was sitting around Him, and they *said to Him, “Behold, Your mother and Your brothers are outside looking for You.” 33 Answering them, He *said, “Who are My mother and My brothers?” 34 Looking about at those who were sitting around Him, He *said, “Behold My mother and My brothers! 35 For whoever does the will of God, he is My brother and sister and mother.” (NASB®)
What defines a member of God’s family?
As Jesus’ family come to take control of the situation, the crowds block their access. Jesus uses this occasion to instruct everyone about the creation of a new family. The family of God are those who through obedient faith, like Jesus, seek to accomplish the Father’s will.
Do I understand the will of God for my life?
What do I do with Jesus? In reality, if you think Jesus was a moral guide or good teacher, you are a lunatic. If you claim Jesus as Lord but don’t do what He says, you’re a liar. If you submit to Him as Lord then you are dearly loved.