MARK 3

JESUS HEALS MANY + APPOINTS HIS TWELVE DISCIPLES 

Jesus encounters a man with a withered hand at the synagogue. The Pharisees watch Jesus, wanting to accuse Him for healing on the Sabbath. Jesus is angered and grieved over the compassionless Pharisees and restores the man’s withered hand. Instead of having awe for Jesus, the Pharisees plot to destroy him.

Because of His healing abilities, news of Jesus travels quickly and he attracts large crowds wherever He goes. Jesus asks His disciples to prepare a boat so that He is able to withdraw from the crowds when necessary. Jesus wants to protect God’s timing for His eventual death and arrest, so Jesus orders the people He heals not to make Him known.

Jesus chooses twelve apostles, men who are His disciples and devout followers. These men are Peter (Simon), James (Brother of John), John, Andrew, Phillip, Nathanael (Bartholomew), Matthew (Levi), Thomas, James, Thaddeus (Judas), Simon, and Judas Iscariot. Jesus gives these men the authority to preach and cast out demons.

Jesus warns against an unforgivable sin, referred to as blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. Some of the Pharisees contribute the work of Jesus to Satan, saying that He is a force for evil. Although it is highly debated among theologians, it is likely that blasphemy of the Holy Spirit only refers to those who saw Jesus in the flesh and accused him of being evil or demonic, meaning it cannot be committed by anyone alive today or anyone who trusts in Jesus as the Savior.

When Jesus is asked about His family, He calls all of God’s people His brothers and sisters. This does not diminish the role of His earthly family, but instead invites all believers into God’s chosen family.