In Mark 3 we see Jesus heal a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, something that the religious leaders could not stomach. You would think that a miraculous healing like this would be cause for great joy and celebration. Instead, the religious leaders saw an opportunity to pounce and focused on meticulous law-keeping, rather than abundant love.
As the crowds increased, Jesus withdrew on a boat with his disciples. News of his healing touch had spread throughout the towns and people flocked to see Jesus. As those who needed healing approached Jesus “the impure spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God” (Mark 3:11). Just as in Mark 1:34 we see an unusual response from Jesus as he asks those in his presence to keep quiet about who he is. Look out for this pattern as we move through Mark’s Gospel.
High on the mountainside Jesus appointed the twelve disciples and called them “to preach and to have authority to drive out demons” (Mark 3:14-15). At this point, they’ve barely spent any time in his presence.
There’s no easing in gently with Jesus.
There’s no extensive training regime.
With Jesus, we learn on the job.
He sends us out as his disciples (learners) knowing that we still have a long way to go.
In the final verses of Mark 3, Jesus gathers with his family who, having heard what he’s been up to, stage an intervention.
“When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.”
Mark 3:21
It’s clear throughout this chapter, that Jesus’ behaviour doesn’t make sense to those around him, even his own family. As his disciples, we are called to stand out, live differently and share God’s abundant love with others.
Something to think about…
“Something is wrong when our lives make sense to unbelievers.”
Francis Chan, Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God
If you would like to watch a clip of today’s reading then click the link below:
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