Foundations: New Testament - MarkSample

Mark 3 begins, as chapter 2 ended, with another account of Jesus’ controversial action on the Sabbath. When He healed a man’s shriveled hand, the Pharisees considered His act to be disobedience to the law. However, Jesus stated that caring for others is obedience to God’s law. 

As Jesus traveled throughout Galilee teaching and performing miracles, large crowds began to follow Him. Mark pointed out that the evil spirits Jesus exorcised as part of His healings knew He was the Son of God, but Jesus wanted them to remain quiet until He was ready for His identity to be revealed. 

While Jesus silenced the demons, the religious leaders accused Him of being one Himself. They knew His power was greater than anything they had witnessed before, but they couldn’t bring themselves to believe He had authority from God, because His identity and actions didn’t fit with the Messiah they anticipated. In response Jesus reminded them that His power was greater than Satan’s, because He had the power to cast out spirits and forgive sin, both of which eliminate Satan’s control over a person’s life. Jesus argued that Satan wouldn’t cast out his own demons, so Jesus’ power must be greater. The only One with greater power than Satan is God. 

Jesus’ statement about family that Mark included at the close of chapter 3 is an important word for readers then and now about the nature of a relationship with Jesus. Jesus considers anyone who follows Him a part of His family. This means no matter what your relationship with your earthly family is like or what a relationship with Jesus may cost you, you’re a part of God’s family forever.