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Lesson 4: Designating Disciples, Friction in the Family, & Blaming Beelzebub, Mark 3:13-35
Lesson 4: Designating Disciples, Friction in
the Family, & Blaming Beelzebub, Mark 3:13-35 by
Brad Anderson
Last time we looked at a series of five episodes in which Jesus
and the disciples found themselves in conflict with the Jews. In
today’s passage, we’ll examine Jesus’ selection
of the Twelve Disciples, and another occasion in which he comes
into conflict with the Jews and with members of his own family.
3:7 through 6:13 is a section that describes events that occurred
near the Sea of Galilee. It starts with the selection of the disciples
and ends with Jesus sending them out to proclaim the gospel.
Designating Disciples (3:13-19)
Jesus had been busy teaching the gospel, healing diseases, and casting
out demons (3:7-12). As might be expected, great crowds assembled
to hear him speak and to receive healing. Jesus then withdrew from
the crowds into the hill country of Galilee and there selected twelve
of his followers to be his special companions. Luke (6:12) says
that Jesus spent a night in prayer before choosing the Twelve. The
fact that Jesus picked twelve is significant—the number almost
certainly is representative of the twelve tribes of Israel. “Disciple”
means “student,” one who is being taught by another.
“Apostles” refers to qualified representatives who are
sent on a mission. The two terms emphasize different aspects of
their calling. This new group constituted the foundation of His
church (cf. Eph 2:20).
What is an Apostle?
The word “apostle” comes from the verb “apostello,”
meaning, “to send.” An apostle is a person sent
by another; a messenger or an envoy. Jesus Christ, the Sent
One of the Father, is called an apostle (Heb 3:1; Jn 20:21).
The word is generally used as designating the disciples to
whom he intrusted the organization of his church and the preaching
of his gospel, "the twelve," as they are called.
Our Lord gave them the "keys of the kingdom," and
by the gift of his Spirit fitted them to be the founders and
governors of his church. After his ascension he imparted to
them, according to his promise, supernatural gifts to qualify
them for the discharge of their duties. Paul was later added
to their number.
In order to be an apostle, one had to meet the following requirements:
to have seen the Lord, and been able to testify of him
and of his resurrection from personal knowledge (Jn 15:27;
Acts 1:21,22; 1 Cor 9:1)
to have been called to that office by Christ himself
(Luke 6:13; Gal 1:1)
to have been infallibly inspired, and thus secured against
all error and mistake in their public teaching, whether
by word or by writing (Jn 14:26, 16:13; 1 Thes 2:13)
to have the power of working miracles (Mk 16:20; Acts
2:43; 1 Cor 12:8-11)
The apostles therefore could have had no successors. They
are the only authoritative teachers of the Christian doctrines.
The office of an apostle ceased with its first holders.
from Easton’s Bible Dictionary
What were the two purposes mentioned for the selection of the twelve
(.14-15)? (1) "that they might be with him"; (2) "that
he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive
out demons." They were to live with Jesus, travel with him,
converse with him, and learn from him. Mark indicates that much
of Jesus' time was occupied with their training. The training was
not an end in itself—they were to be sent out. And their ministry
was to consist of preaching the Good News and driving out demons
(v. 15). The two are closely associated. The salvation Jesus brings
involves the defeat of Satan and his demons.
Friction in the Family (3:21, 31-35)
As we’ve already seen, Jesus faced fierce opposition from
many different directions. On this occasion, Jesus comes into conflict
with his own family members. Even those whom one would expect to
be supportive of Jesus’ message and ministry turned out to
be critics. The word “friends” (KJV) is most likely
referring to his own family. The word is literally “those
from beside him,” and often refers to one’s family (so
NIV. The NKJV has “his own people.”).
What did Jesus’ family come to do? To “lay hold of him”
(KJV) or “take charge of him.” They felt that he was
out of control, so they had come restrain him and take him back
to Nazareth for his own good. The verb translated "take charge"
is used of arresting someone.
What does Jesus’ family say is the problem with Jesus? He’s
“beside himself,” i.e., out of his mind/mad/crazy. The
word means, “to lose one’s mind, to be out of one’s
senses.” They probably thought that overwork had caused him
to lose touch with reality. Could you imagine the sadness and discouragement
that this could cause? After everyone else criticizing his message
and ministry, along comes his family and does the same thing. Those
who should be most supportive are just as critical as everyone else
is. John (7:5) tells us that Jesus’ family members did not
believe in him at this point.
Jesus himself at this time was in Capernaum; so his family had to
travel from Nazareth to get him and take him home. To allow for
this time, Mark fills in the gap with the Beelzebub controversy.
When his family did arrive and attempted to “lay hold of him,”
someone told Jesus that his family was outside and wanted to talk
with him. But he did not even pause to talk to them. Instead, he
looked around at his disciples and said, “Behold my mother
and my brethren!” (.34-35). What did he mean? Those who do
the will of God are his true family. Followers of Christ are part
of a spiritual family. Some ties are stronger than blood. He’s
also asserting his own independence from his family—it was
not appropriate for them to interfere. Mark does not say whether
or not Jesus’ family ever met together on this occasion.
Note: It’s unfortunate that Jesus’ own mother at this
point is of the opinion that Jesus is “beside himself.”
But, like others, Mary grew in her faith and eventually acknowledged
Jesus to be the Messiah.
Blaming Beelzebub (3:22-30)
The teachers of the law had come down from Jerusalem ("down"
because Jerusalem was located at a higher elevation than Capernaum).
This is a strong indication that the word about Jesus was spreading
and was causing concern in high places. They likely came to gather
evidence against him to charge him with some infraction of the law.
What did the Jews say was the source of Jesus’ power? Their
analysis of Jesus' condition was "he is possessed by Beelzebub!"
Beelzebub (the god of Ekron) means "the lord of flies,"
or "the lord of dung," or "the dung-god." It’s
another name for Satan. Thus the leaders of the Jews were attributing
the works of Jesus to the power of Satan. They brought forth this
charge because some people in the audience thought that Jesus just
might be the Messiah (c.f. Matt 12:23). They sought to discount
such an idea.
Some Accusations of the Jews against Jesus:
Born out of wedlock (Jn 8:41)
A Samaritan and demon possessed (Jn 8:48)
Demon possessed and crazy (Jn 10:20)
Greedy, a drunk, and a friend of sinners (Lk 7:34)
What did Jesus say to defend himself (.23-26, c.f. also Matt 12:27-28)?
He showed them the absurdity of their accusation—Satan doesn’t
cast out Satan. Matthew 12:27-28 “And if I by Beelzebub cast
out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? Therefore they
shall be your judges. But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of
God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.”
What point is Jesus making in verse 27? Satan is the strong man
whom Jesus has power over. The fact that Jesus is able to plunder
Satan’s domain is evidence that Jesus has power over him.
What exactly is the unforgivable sin? attributing the works of God
to Satan. Their hardness of heart was evident in that they called
good (the healing of someone) evil (c.f. Isa 5:20). Those so blind
and hard-hearted are incapable of repentance.
Surely what Jesus is speaking of here as an unforgivable sin is
not an isolated act but a settled condition of the soul—the
result of a long history of repeated and willful acts of sin. And
if the person involved cannot be forgiven it is not so much that
God refuses to forgive as it is the sinner cares nothing about sin
or forgiveness.
The unpardonable sin boils down to simple unbelief, the rejection
of God and God’s word. This is the only sin God will not forgive.
When one considers the Holy Spirit to be the Devil, repentance is
no longer possible, because the Holy Spirit is the one who generates
repentance.
Note: Those who are concerned about their sin need not worry that
they have committed the unforgivable sin. Those who care about such
things show that they have not committed this sin.
This conflict story shows that the Jews officially rejected Jesus’
claims to be the Messiah. They had no interest in who Jesus was
or in what he was teaching; in fact, they were actively hostile
to him and his message. They had rejected his offer of the kingdom.
Jesus now begins to direct his attention to the Gentiles.
Conclusion: These occasions give us more information about the person
and work of Christ. Jesus was a master teacher. He picked a small
group of disciples to train so that they could carry on the work
after he had gone. He loved his family, but would not allow them
to hinder his ministry. And he showed his critics their own hard-heartedness
and unbelief. Those who reject him lose all hope of forgiveness.
His critics had to resort to irrational, absurd accusations.
Applications:
1. Jesus desires to “be with” his disciples, and disciples
should desire to “be with” him. We fellowship with him
as we read his word and pray.
2. A disciple’s relationship with God is more important than
that with his family. One must not allow his family or friends to
hinder his fellowship with God. The tie that binds the believer
to Jesus and to other believers is supreme.
3. Unbelief is the most serious of sins. God is merciful, gracious,
and patient with sinners, and is willing and able to forgive every
kind of sin. But God will not extend forgiveness to those who reject
his Son.
4. Rejection of Jesus leads to irrationality. Opposition to Jesus
upsets men’s logic.
Discussion:
1. What truth from this passage shows us that salvation does not
extend to all people? The fact that the sin of unbelief is unforgivable.
Those not forgiven will not be saved; thus, salvation can’t
extend to unbelievers.
2. Was Jesus being rude to his family by not talking with them?
It doesn’t say that he didn’t talk with them. The text
doesn’t give us all the details. However, it does seem clear
that he would not allow his family, who at this point were still
unbelievers, to hinder or interfere in his ministry.
3. Can a person today commit the unforgivable sin? Yes, because
the sin is unrepentant unbelief.
Can a believer commit an unforgivable sin? No; all sin is forgiven
for a believer.
