Mark 3 reminds me of managing a restaurant in Nashville. I learned that celebrities are only famous if you know who they are. I was not a country music fan, and as a result I was rarely fawning over our guests. Very few got special treatment and even fewer were given the honor of privacy. Several were quite angry when I responded “no” to their boastful question, “Do you know who I am?” Today’s chapter includes several VIP questions. It begins with the common occurrence, “Jesus went into the synagogue”, and the Jewish leaders, “looking for a reason to accuse Jesus… watched Him closely to see if He would heal… on the Sabbath”. The Law of Moses had become complex in defining actions that constituted “work”. Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” Sometimes, in an effort to honor God, we neglect doing good by ignoring the people around us. Don’t miss the eternal perspective, Jesus “looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts”. As expected, Jesus healed a man, infuriating the religious leaders. Their tradition became more important than the people. Has your Sabbath stubbornness become a relationship killer?
Mark describes the selection of the 12 apostles. It is interesting to note that neither Mark, nor Luke were included in the list. Most of the New Testament was written by folks not selected as apostles. Few could name the twelve, but it is important to note that fame did not seem to be a major motivator. “He appointed twelve that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons”. I wonder what selection criteria He used? It is not mentioned and it is not clear to us. I think that fame in heaven will not be what we expect. Many unheralded, life-changing acts of compassion on earth will be applauded in heaven. Why was Judas chosen? Contrary to the pictures, none of these men had halos; when Jesus said one will betray Him, all asked, “Is it me?” because none were beyond temptation.
The last part of the chapter offers insights into the pressures of fame. Jesus-mania had swept through the region to the point that “Jesus entered a house… a crowd gathered, so that He and His disciples were not even able to eat”. He did not jump into a limo, or hide behind walls. He remained among the people to the point where His friends and family said “He is out of His mind”. The Jewish leaders accused him of being possessed by the devil, but Jesus ridiculed them, “How can Satan drive out Satan?” He added the idea that for now, this world is ruled by Satan. There is much evil and division keeping us from the unity we can find in Christ. Jesus said, “no one can enter a strong man’s house without first tying him up”. Next we read a verse that has been used to manipulate and dishearten many. He added, “People can be forgiven all their sins… but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven”. I believe every sin was paid in full on the cross, and full forgiveness and restoration are available to all that ask in faith, trusting in Christ’s work alone. Those that do not ask, or answer the call, have chosen to disregard the Spirit of God. The chapter ends with more controversy. Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived and were looking for Him. Jesus asked, “Who are My mother and My brothers?” Mary’s role has been minimized by Protestants and exaggerated by Catholics. She is not a co-forgiver; she was not even given back-stage passes. He certainly honored her, but the point is, we do not need any human help to access Jesus. Friend, do you want to be a celebrity or do you want to celebrate? “Whoever does God’s will is My brother and sister and mother”. Eternal fame awaits everyone that comes to Him.