Mark 3:20-35
Mark uses a literary "sandwich technique" in the book of Mark. He puts two stories together to create one idea. He is trying to tell us who Jesus is in Chapter 3. First, we find out who isn't in Jesus's royal family. Secondly, we find out who will never be in his royal family. Finally, we find out who is in Jesus's royal family.
Let's start with who isn't. See verses 20-21. Jesus's family thought he was crazy. Ironically these are people that spent the majority of is life with him. They find themselves on the outside of Jesus's royal family (vs. 31). Jesus's kingdom doesn't operate like this world. In this world, if you're born into a royal family, you're in and if you're not you're not. It's not like Jesus's family couldn't be a part of his royal family but at this point in time (Mark 3), they aren't. Jesus's said that his mother wasn't his mother. The reason they're on the outside is that they came to arrest and seize him. He wasn't acting how he would normally act. Even if are in proximity to Jesus (go to church every, born in a Christian family, have Christian friends, and/or listen to Christian music), that doesn't necessarily make you a Christian.Are we controlling Jesus or is He controlling us? We should respond "It's really hard but I trust you!" Always check your heart.
There's one area of the Word that tells us who doesn't belong (vs. 22). Not only did the scribes say that Jesus was crazy, but they also said he was possessed by Satan. Jesus responds in verse 23 by saying "How can Satan cast out Satan (paraphrased)?" Why in the world would Satan cast out his own demons? In verse 27, we see that "the strong man" means Satan and the house means Satan's kingdom. The plunder has already begun. The Royal Family of Jesus is already being established.
Then Jesus gives a severe warning. He mentions the unforgivable sin: blaspheming the Holy Spirit. It means to deliberately or intentionally repudiate the work of God's Spirit though Jesus. That's not to say that people can't turn back towards Jesus. God always forgives those who come to Jesus after rejecting Him before. We all have rebelled and rejected Jesus (Psalm 51). However, when you say Jesus is evil and possessed by Satan, that is the unforgivable sin (vs. 30). The scribes can no longer distinguish between good and evil (Isaiah 5:20). It's unforgivable because you can't repent any more and if you don't repent, you can't be saved.
So who is part of the Royal Family? Whoever does the will of God. It is to do what the scribes aren't doing: Believe! Today if you are struggling to believe, trust, or obey, look towards the Son. Look at the King and spend some serious time with Him. He's the King who bound the strong man on the cross. We can enjoy the plunder in His Royal Family. He has invited us to be a part of his family. Let's accept that invitation.
Scott Worden (The L.A./Seoul Guy)
Instagram: l.a.seoulguy
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