Sunday 10 June 2012

Background

Throughout the first half of Mark's Gospel there are numerousencounters with Jesus which raise the question of who Jesus is. Thestories and descriptions written by Mark are aimed at the readerdrawing the conclusion that he is the Messiah.

In this passage we see not only the Jewish scribes, but also hisfamily grappling with questions as to the source of Jesus' powerand authority. This is a subtle change as up until this point Jesushas been questioned over his religious practice (eg Mark2:1-12).

The claim is made that Satan is in possession of Jesus (verse 22).His family think he is "out of his mind" (v. 21), thereby implyingthat he is controlled by demons whereas the scribes used the termBeelzebul for Satan. This claim is carefully dealt with by Jesus.He explains that if Satan casts out demons then he is actingagainst himself. Satan cannot cast himself out, thereby implyingthat this happens by another, higher authority. Jesus uses theexpression of a "strong man" (v. 27), here making a link to theScriptures where God the redeemer is frequently referred to as thestrong one (eg "their Redeemer is strong; the Lord of hosts is hisname" (Jeremiah 50:34)). Claiming the work of God to bethe work of Satan as the scribes had done, is an "eternal sin" (v.28). It is God that brings salvation: by turning away from God asthe scribes are doing is to deny that salvation.

The scene continues with Jesus raising the question as to who arehis mother and brothers. His own family had failed to recognisethat his work was of God. It makes no difference how closelyrelated they are if they do not accept his authority. It was notthose in a close position, or the highly educated, as the scribeswere, who acknowledged Jesus, but the ordinary people. It is thosewho do the will of God who are recognised by Jesus as hisfamily.

To Ponder

Why do you think that Jesus own family did notrecognise and accept him for who he was?

Do your friends and family see and recogniseJesus in your words and actions? What challenge could you set foryourself this week to make your faith more visible to others?