Have
you ever done something that made other people wonder if you have lost your
mind? If so, you can probably understand what is going on in Mark 3:20-35. This
takes place early in Jesus’ ministry when word of hid teachings and miracles is
starting to spread. Jesus’ earthly family and friends didn’t understand his
ministry. They didn’t understand that he was the Son of God. To the people of
Nazareth, he was just the son of Mary and Joseph-earthly parents.
We
are the same. Sometimes we can’t understand Jesus and his ministry. Sometimes
it’s hard for us to understand who Jesus is, what he does and why he does what
he does. Often we make a rash judgment about Jesus. We need to ask God what his
will is for our lives. We need to ask God why he is doing what he is doing in
our lives.
Because
the Pharisees did not understand what Jesus was doing, they accused him of
being possessed by the devil. They wanted to discredit Jesus in the eyes of the
people, but their claim had one big flaw. How could the devil defeat the devil?
The devil and his angels are of equal strength, so evil can’t defeat evil. A
strong man can only be defeated by someone who is stronger. Since good is
always stronger than evil, good will always defeat evil. Jesus is the champion
of everything that is good, so he will always defeat evil.
Normally,
when there is a champion of any type-sports, politics, etc. - most people will
follow the champion. In other words, many people will “jump on the bandwagon”,
but there will still be some opponents. There is a similar situation in this
passage. By accusing Jesus of using the devil’s power to cast out demons, the
Pharisees rejected the work of the Holy Spirit. They willingly rejected Christ
as their Saviour because they did not want to give up their power, prestige,
authority, etc. Because they chose not
to believe, they refused to accept forgiveness for their sins. Refusing to
accept the Holy Spirit is the only sin that cannot be forgiven-and not
blasphemy as most believers would think.
How
many people in our modern world have refused to accept Christ because it would
mean giving up an earthly way of life that is more important to them? The list
is endless, but it includes the famous and not so famous. It includes people
such as actor John Belushi and singers Whitney Houston, Amy Winehouse and
Michael Jackson-people whose desire for the good things of this earthly life
led to their downfall and death from drug and alcohol abuse (even though
Whitney Houston was raised in a strong Christian church and with a strong
Christian faith).
If
you are worried about sinning against the Holy Spirit, don’t be worried. The
fact that you are worried means that you are likely not guilty. The fact that
you are concerned means that you have a conscience that will keep you safe.
Jesus’
earthly family was concerned about his physical and mental health, but Jesus
was more concerned about the spiritual health of the people he dealt with. True
“family” is not a matter of biological relationship, but of kinship in
obedience to God, and that kinship begins when God through his grace adopts us
into his family. In a world where there is so much opposition to the Christian
faith, and where our homes and families demand so much of our time, our one
priority is to love one another wherever we are, and with every breath of our
being.
Those
who accept the Holy Spirit will do the will of God and thereby become part of
the new concept of family that Jesus creates. That is, they will become part of
the family of God. This is not meant to exclude our biological family unless
they refuse to accept the Holy Spirit and therefore refuse to do God’s will.
When we allow the Holy Spirit in our lives, nothing can stop us. We have a
power that can overcome everything the devil throws in our way-even the
opposition of our earthly family. That power is the awesome power of God! When
we unite with fellow believers, the power is even greater.
Bibliography
1. Stanley, C.F., “The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles
Bible, NASB”. (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers; 2009)
7. Jude Siciliano, O.P., “First Impressions, 10th
Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)”. Retrieved from www.preacherexchange.org
9. Wycliffe Bible Commentary. Part of Lessonmaker 8 Bible
Software package.
10. ESV Study Bible. Part of Lessonmaker 8 Bible Software
package.
11. MacArthur, J., “MacArthur Study Bible, NASV”.
(Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers; 2006;2008)
12. McKenna, D.L. & Ogilvie, L.J., “The Preacher’s
Commentary Series, Volume 25: Mark” (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.; 1982)
13. Meda Stamper, “Commentary on Mark 3:20-35”. Retrieved
from www.workingpreacher.org/preaching_print.aspx?commentary_id=1315
16. John
Shearman’s Lectionary Resource, Proper 5, Ordinary 13. Retrieved from http://lectionary.seemslikegod.org/archives/year-b-season-after-pentecost-proper-5-ordinary-13.html
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