Throughout the centuries, people have had different views about Christ. In our study in Mark, we come to a section where we see how different people in Jesus’ day perceived Him. His townspeople, who knew His family and saw Him grow up, thought that Joseph’s son, the carpenter, had lost His mind and therefore were confused about His identity (cf v.20-21; 6:3).
The religious leaders, upon seeing a miraculous healing of a demon-possessed, deaf and mute man (cf. Matt 12:22), tried to discredit Him by saying, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “by the prince of demons He casts out the demons.” (v.22). This of course was a preposterous and sinister claim. How can Satan destroy his own demons and still remain a force for evil? No kingdom at war with itself can last. This shows the hardness of the heart of these religious leaders who are attributing the works of God in Christ to Satan. They are calling good evil and evil good. Jesus tells them that by doing so, they are committing the unpardonable sin. Anyone who knowingly, willingly, and persistently rejects Jesus and calls Him the ultimate evil, as these religious leaders were doing, is committing the unpardonable sin. But in reality, what Jesus was doing, was invading Satan’s kingdom and delivering men and women from his power and setting them free to serve the living God (v.27).
Seeing how His townspeople perceived Him, His own family came to get Him. Perhaps they were concerned that He was not getting enough rest and refreshment; but most likely, they were embarrassed by Him. John tells us in his gospel that His brothers did not believe on Him (cf. John 7:5). Hearing that His mother and brothers were at the door looking for Him, Jesus takes the opportunity to identify His spiritual family. He tells us that His true family are those who do the will of His Father in heaven (v.35; Luke 8:21; Matt 12:50).
As you read this passage, consider the following questions:
- How do the religious leaders of Jesus’ day resemble people of our day in the way they view good and evil?
- Knowing that Christ has broken the bondage to sin and Satan in our lives, how does that encourage us in our daily battle against sin?
- If there is such a thing as the unpardonable sin, what should be our attitude towards sin in our lives?
- What are some of the privileges that we have as members of the family of God here in this life and in the life to come?
May the Lord bless His word to each of our hearts this Sunday.