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Mark 3 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
The healings of Jesus are well-documented and factual. Interestingly, the Jews did not dispute the healing power of Jesus, but rather, the source of that power. The Greeks did not dispute the healings either, but only questioned the interpretation. Others just thought they were staged events or documented improperly. What do the facts say?
And He told His disciples that a boat should stand ready for Him because of the crowd, so that they would not crowd Him; 10 for He had healed many, with the result that all those who had afflictions pressed around Him in order to touch Him.
Mark 3:9-10 NASB
People flocked to Jesus to be healed. Today, some pastors have interpreted the healing power of Jesus to represent the holistic health of a Christian. They would say if you aren’t completely well then you don’t have enough faith, or, there is a certain sin issue at hand. When we look at the Scriptures in context, we see a different purpose for healing.
They verified Jesus was the Messiah. Scripture foretold that the coming Messiah would be accredited with miracles. As I wrote in Mark 1, Jesus was immediately recognized as a rabbi with authority by the way he taught and the way he commanded demonic strongholds, sickness, and disease. These were unique traits that verified His Messianic nature. This is ultimately what ruffled the feathers of the religious and political elite – they could not explain the source of His power.
They drew people to Him. We read that Jesus commanded some who were healed not to tell others. This was probably to detract the Messianic political zealots who wanted the Messiah to overthrow Rome. However, it’s a fact that the crowds came out in masses to experience Jesus’ healing touch. In doing so, they also heard His Message. The most well-known example of this is the Sermon on the Mount.
They revealed the Kingdom of God. In His miracles, we see the compassion of God toward those in need. Countless stories illustrate that Jesus was deeply moved by human suffering. He healed some physically but He came to save for eternity. The miracles themselves set people up for a much deeper healing that He would eventually accomplish at the cross.
The 12 Disciples
Jesus chose 12 flawed men to follow Him. How do we know this? Peter was prone to being reckless and hasty. Thomas was slow to believe. James and John were known as the “sons of thunder” (literally “sons of feeling” or “sons of anger”). Simon was a zealot who most likely wanted to overthrow Rome. Matthew was a hated tax collector working for the Romans. It is interesting to consider how well they got along considering their differences!
There were siblings (James and John, Peter and Andrew), business colleagues (Peter, James, and John), opposing political views (Matthew and Simon), and one who would eventually betray Jesus (Judas Iscariot). The point is – these men brought lots of baggage into this relationship with Jesus, but they learned to trust Him and work together for His Kingdom.
Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit
This story has been extensively taught (many times incorrectly) but there are still people today who worry they have committed the “unforgivable sin”. The text describes this sin as blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. So, naturally, we must investigate the purpose of the Holy Spirit to find out if we are against Him. The Holy Spirit has come to “convict the world of all sin and righteousness and judgment” (John 16:8), and to “testify to the work of Jesus” (John 15:26).
Naturally, if we do not repent of our sin, we have not been convicted by the Holy Spirit. If we do not place our faith in Jesus’ atoning sacrifice, we will not experience forgiveness. Therefore, the unforgivable sin is unbelief. All those who are not believers will experience judgment and eternal separation from God.
Jesus’ Mother and Brothers
Surprise, surprise. Jesus once again makes a radical statement. Everyone knows the phrase “blood is thicker than water.” In our culture today it means that family is more important than any other relationship. However, in the ancient world, the original context was, “The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb.” This is exactly what Jesus is stating at the end of Mark 3.
“The new family is a company of people not bound by ties of blood, but by a commitment to doing God’s will. This statement recalls the harsh language of Mat 10:35-37 : “For I have come to turn ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother.’… Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me.” Rejecting the expected role of your parents may even look like hatred (Luk 14:26). Jesus held out for a higher responsibility, a more pressing claim. For him, doing the will of God superseded any other obligation.”
IVP New Testament Commentary