Jesus and Rejection

Introduction:

Thinking about Jesus’ public ministry requires careful thought.

We can get caught up in the wrong things.

We can foist upon the crowds “ought tos” instead of thinking about what their reactions teach us about human nature.

What would we expect of someone with Jesus’ power?

How would a “normal” human being respond?

What would they use their power to do?

Does Jesus use his power in a way that we expect?

. Last week, we learned that the Pharisees and Herodians conspired together to kill Jesus.

It has not taken long for Jesus to be in “hot water.”

His life is, very early on, in danger.

All must go according to God’s plan, not human reaction.

Physical danger can come in various forms.

Jesus Retreats

Mark explains that Jesus “returned” toward the sea.

He headed eastward toward the Sea of Galilee, most likely.

It could mean he went further north and west toward the Mediterranean, but that is not the most likely scenario.

The term “retire” can also refer to “retreating” as in an act designed for his safety to remove himself from the danger now presented in Capernaum by the hostility of the Pharisees and Herodians.

This now forces us to consider the nature of Jesus ministry.

What is its purpose?

How will it end?

What does Jesus want?

A Crowd Follows

Mark now gives a thorough, and perhaps surprising, list of places from which people flocked to Jesus.

Galilee.

Judaea.

Jerusalem.

Edom (Idumaea).

Perea (east of Jordan).

Tyre and Sidon (the vicinity thereof).

What is most surprising is that these force us to consider that quite a few of these individuals might have been Gentiles.

Mark explains why they came: hearing as many things as he was doing (Mk. 3:8).

What should we think of this turn of events?

He has been rejected in Capernaum, now more than once.

Yet, here is a throng of people who respond to the word of mouth circulating about what all he has done.

Upon the arrival of this group of individuals, Jesus now becomes concerned for his personal safety.

He spoke to his disciples to have a boat ready to attend to him personally.

This probably is supposed to mean that Jesus wanted a boat to be at his disposal in case he needed it.

This would further suggest they are at Galilee where Jesus’ disciples, like Peter, James, and John would have had boats available for use given their family background.

Notice the “causal” phrase (Mk. 3:9).

Mark will further provide “pressure” language in Mk. 3:10.

Demons Know Truth; People Not Always

Notice how Mark plays upon terminology to differentiate the reaction of people compared to the demons.

What motivates the people?

Why have they come?

they place additional pressure upon Jesus.

The demons fall in reverence toward him.

They admist who he is.

They contravene Jesus’ purpose.

Jesus does seek crowds to accomplish earthly tasks to foment a revolution, or to promote himself personally.

He wants human beings to arrive at the truth based upon the evidence.