Mark 3: 13-35

I. The Appointment of the Apostles

Jesus, in His divine wisdom and love, appointed twelve apostles to be with Him. These were ordinary men, chosen to do extraordinary things. Their primary tasks were to learn from Jesus, to preach the Good News, and to cast out demons.

A. Time with Jesus Prepares You for Ministry

The apostles spent time with Jesus, learning from His teachings and observing His actions. This time with Jesus was crucial in preparing them for their future ministry. As believers, we too are called to spend time with Jesus. In John 15:1-12, Jesus uses the metaphor of a vine and branches to illustrate our relationship with Him. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can we unless we abide in Jesus.

B. Christians Are Not to Remain Silent

The apostles were not just passive observers; they were active participants in Jesus’ ministry. They were sent out to preach, to share their testimony, the gospel, and what Jesus was doing in their lives. As Christians, we too are called to share our faith and experiences with others. We are not to remain silent but to speak up and share the Good News.

C. Authority Over Evil

Jesus gave the apostles authority over evil. They were able to cast out demons and heal the sick in His name. This was not their own power, but the power of Jesus working through them. As believers, we too have been given authority over evil in this world. Through Jesus, we can conquer evil and bring hope and healing to those around us.

In conclusion, the appointment of the twelve apostles serves as a powerful example for us today. Like the apostles, we are called to spend time with Jesus, to share our faith, and to exercise the authority given to us over evil. Let us embrace this calling with faith and courage, knowing that Jesus is with us every step of the way.

II. The False Accusations Against Jesus

Jesus, despite His divine nature and miraculous works, was not immune to false accusations. These accusations came from unexpected sources - His own family and the religious leaders of His time.

A. His Own Family Declared That He Had Lost His Mind

It’s hard to imagine, but even Jesus’ own family had moments of doubt. They saw His radical teachings and lifestyle and concluded that He had lost His mind. This is a powerful reminder for us that when we reduce Jesus to anything less than God - such as a good teacher, a prophet, or a moral person - we are essentially saying that Jesus has lost His mind. Jesus is more than just a good teacher or a moral person. He is God incarnate, full of wisdom and power.

B. The Scribes Accused Jesus of Having a Demon

The scribes, who were supposed to be experts in religious law, could not explain or defend Jesus’ miracles. Instead of acknowledging the divine power at work, they accused Jesus of having a demon. This accusation stemmed from their hardness of heart. They were so set in their ways and beliefs that they rejected Jesus and attributed His power to Satan.

1. The Inability of the Scribes to Explain or Defend Jesus’ Miracles

The scribes were learned men, well-versed in the Scriptures. Yet, they could not comprehend the miracles performed by Jesus. Their knowledge and understanding were limited by their preconceived notions and biases.

2. The Hardness of Heart That Led to Rejection

The scribes’ hearts were hardened. They were so entrenched in their own beliefs and traditions that they were unable to recognize the Messiah standing before them. Instead of accepting Jesus, they rejected Him and attributed His power to Satan.

In conclusion, these false accusations against Jesus serve as a stark reminder for us. We must guard our hearts against hardness and keep our minds open to the truth of Jesus. Let us not be like those who falsely accused Jesus, but let us recognize Him for who He truly is - our Lord and Savior.

III. Jesus’ Response to the False Accusations

Jesus, in His divine wisdom, responded to the false accusations made against Him. His responses were not only logical but also revealed profound spiritual truths.

A. Jesus Explained That the Scribes’ Response Was Not Logical

Jesus addressed the illogical accusations of the scribes with clear and sound reasoning.

1. If Satan Casts Out Satan Then His Kingdom Will Not Stand

Jesus pointed out the absurdity of the scribes’ claim that He was casting out demons by the power of Satan. He explained that if Satan was casting out Satan, then his kingdom would be divided and could not stand. This argument reveals the logical inconsistency in the scribes’ accusation.

2. Christians Need to Bind Satan Through Prayer and Plunder His Kingdom

Jesus taught that Christians have a role to play in the spiritual battle against evil. We are called to bind Satan through prayer and to plunder his kingdom. This means rescuing those who are lost and bringing them into the kingdom of heaven. Our prayers and actions can have a powerful impact in the spiritual realm.

B. Blaspheming the Holy Spirit is Unforgivable

Jesus also addressed the serious issue of blaspheming the Holy Spirit.

1. The Holy Spirit Reveals Jesus as the Savior

The Holy Spirit’s role is to reveal Jesus as the Savior. When a person acknowledges this truth, they are brought into a saving relationship with Jesus. However, when a person rejects this truth, they are essentially blaspheming the Holy Spirit.

2. When a Person Rejects This Truth, Salvation is Unattainable

Jesus warned that blaspheming the Holy Spirit is unforgivable. This is because the Holy Spirit is the one who convicts us of our sin and points us to Jesus for salvation. If a person rejects the work of the Holy Spirit, they are rejecting their only means of salvation.

In conclusion, Jesus’ responses to the false accusations made against Him reveal deep spiritual truths. As followers of Jesus, we are called to stand firm in our faith, to pray against the forces of evil, and to share the Good News of Jesus with others. Let us heed Jesus’ teachings and live out our faith with courage and conviction.

Jesus Establishes a New Kingdom

Jesus came to establish a new kingdom, not of this world, but a spiritual kingdom that transcends earthly boundaries and limitations. This kingdom is not defined by blood relations or social status, but by obedience to the will of the Father.

A. Jesus Explained That Those Who Do the Will of the Father Are His Family

Jesus redefined what it means to be a part of His family. He declared that anyone who does the will of the Father is His brother, sister, and mother. This was a radical statement that challenged the traditional understanding of family and kinship.

1. Jesus Responded That Those Who Do the Will of the Father Take Precedence Over Family

Jesus emphasized that spiritual kinship takes precedence over biological kinship. Those who obey God’s will are considered closer to Him than those who are related by blood. This does not mean that Jesus disregarded the importance of biological family. Instead, He highlighted the supreme importance of spiritual obedience and commitment to God’s will.

In conclusion, Jesus’ establishment of a new kingdom invites us all to be a part of His family. It is a kingdom where obedience to God’s will is valued above all else. As followers of Jesus, let us strive to do the will of the Father and live as members of this spiritual kingdom.