📅 February 7th: Mark 3: The Disciples, Miracles, and Oppositions

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February 7th: Mark 3: The Disciples, Miracles, and Oppositions

Unmasking the Identity, Mission, and Company of Jesus

Introduction
Mark 3 presents a riveting chapter into the journey and ministry of Jesus Christ. Today, we’ll witness supernatural miracles, meet Jesus’s chosen disciples, and encounter opposition that started to form against Him.

Jesus Heals the Man with a Deformed Hand

In a bold move, Jesus heals a man with a deformed hand on the Sabbath, challenging the Pharisees’ strict interpretation of the law.
Key Verse: “Then Jesus asked them, ‘Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?’ But they remained silent.” - Mark 3:4

Jesus Chooses His Disciples

Christ appoints twelve apostles, ordinary men chosen to accompany him in his ministry, learn from him, and continue his mission.
Key Verse: “He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach” - Mark 3:14

Jesus Accused by His Family and religious leaders

In an unexpected turn, both Jesus’ family and the religious leaders misunderstand his actions and lable Him as insane or possessed, revealing the extent of the opposition Jesus faced.
Key Verse: “He is possessed by Beelzebul! By the prince of demons, he is driving out demons.” - Mark 3:22

Key Themes and Reflections

Mark 3 explores the dichotomy of good and evil under the guise of religious righteousness, revealing the bias and legalism that can blind one’s perception of good. The chapter also highlights the inclusive nature of Jesus’s ministry and the oppositions He encountered, reminding us to carry the cross of the Gospel despite criticisms.

Today’s Application

Today, we’re reminded of the importance of placing human welfare above religious ritual and societal expectations, just as Jesus did when He healed on the Sabbath. In our daily encounters, may we extend empathy, love, and kindness, regardless of the societal norms we may challenge.

Hidden Gem

Did you know that the list of twelve disciples included a zealot (Simon) and a tax collector (Matthew)? These two represented extreme opposite ends of the political spectrum yet were united in following Jesus, showcasing the unifying power of the Gospel.

Reflective Q&A

Why did Jesus heal on the Sabbath, despite knowing it was considered unlawful?
A: Jesus wanted to demonstrate the spirit of the law, focusing more on doing good and saving life than rigid adherence to accepted norms.

What can we learn from Jesus’s choice of disciples?
A: The disciples were a diverse group of ordinary people, showing us that Jesus calls all types of people, regardless of their backgrounds, to follow Him.

How should we react to opposition in our faith journey, as shown in Mark 3?
A: Jesus stayed focused on His mission amidst opposition. His example encourages us to stay committed to our journey, despite criticism.

Join the Discussion:

What stood out for you in Mark 3? How are you challenged to live out these teachings in your context? Please share your thoughts with our community.

See You Tomorrow in Mark 4:
Get ready to discover more heart-touching parables from Jesus and understand their relevance in our lives.

As we continue exploring the Gospel of Mark, let’s remain open to these timeless teachings, discuss them, and encourage each other.

[MAI]

Mark 3
Mark’s Gospel records the urgency on the matters recorded. In the first five chapters he uses such action words as: straightway; immediately; forthwith – some 25 times, emphasising the vibrancy of the Lord’s work amongst men. Similarly, we need to be diligent about the things of our Master. The urgency of the days in which we live urges a diligence about our preparation to meet him on his return. Now, in chapter 3 there is another Sabbath healing, involving the man with the withered hand (vv. 1-6; see the companion records of Mat. 12 and Luke 6 for a more complete picture). In Luke the Master told the man with the withered hand to stand forth in the midst of the congregation so what he was about to do would be clearly seen, and in Matthew’s account he compares their flocks to human life, who needed shepherding. “Straightway,” however, the Pharisees took counsel to destroy him (v. 6). They hated him because he reproved them; because he laid open their hypocrisy; and because, by speaking the Word and performing the Father’s will, he won the hearts of the people and lessened the influence of the leaders. But knowing their thoughts and intents Yahshua took himself from them, for “his hour had not yet come.” Then the Master undertook a partial circuit of Galilee (vv. 7-12). In vv. 10-11 the people were witnessing, without knowing it, Deity Manifestation; they were, without knowing, in the presence of Yahweh Ropheka, but still they did not “diligently hearken.” In vv. 13-19 Yahshua selected those who would be privileged to walk with him in a special relationship for three and a half years. A reference to Judas attaches his destiny: the one who would betray, followed by the accusation of those associated with the Lord (v. 21). The leaders from Jerusalem took opportunity to strengthen the opposition, by claiming the Lord was of Beelzebub, a sin against the Holy Spirit. From here to v. 30 the Master speaks to them in ‘parables’ (see Mat. 13:10-16). The chapter ends with the Master acknowledging all of those who do the will of God as his family, as the true association that he desires. Throughout his ministry the Lord was carefully watched by the “Satan,” as in the wilderness following his baptism. It seems that his every move was brought under critical scrutiny as to whether his claim to be the Son of Yahweh was justified. Indeed, the leaders of the nation were moved with the spirit of envy and sought the destruction of the Master, rather than to support his desire to redeem the people. The Sabbath was an opportunity to reveal the divine means of restoration, since the very reason for the Sabbath law in the beginning was to bring all creation into harmony and wholesomeness with the Deity. But the enemies of the Master were estranged by the spirit of envy, driving them to “accuse him,” notwithstanding that the work of healing a withered hand was typically the restoring of health and harmony to a man diseased. And when the man was healed without even a touch (so no claim of transmitted defilement was appropriate!), they were filled with anger. Perhaps they thought they would be able to claim that the defilement of the diseased man was borne by the Lord. But their anger was met by his righteous anger, because of the hardness of their hearts. The man with the withered hand could be healed, but those with hard hearts could not. So the chapter sets out: [1] The withered hand healed: vv. 1-6. [2] A partial circuit of Galilee: vv. 7-12. [3] Appointment of the apostles: vv. 13-19. [4] Christ’s relations seek to restrain him: vv. 20-21. [5] Blasphemy against the Spirit: vv. 22-30. [6] Christ’s family seek to restrain him: vv. 31-35. — Logos.