The Nature and Character of Brotherly Love (Mark 3)

Scripture reading – Mark 3

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* Please note that words and phrases in brackets are the author’s amplification.

Mark 3

Jesus Healed a Man with A Withered Hand (Mark 3:1-6)

The story of Jesus healing a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath appears in Mark’s Gospel (Mark 3:1-6; Matthew 12:9-14). As Jesus’ fame and followers grew, so did the animosity of the religious leaders. Recalling the adage, “The enemy of my enemy is my friend,” we find that the Pharisees and Herodians [the Jews loyal to Herod and Caesar] “took counsel against [Jesus], how they might destroy Him” (Mark 3:6).

Jesus Ordained the Twelve (Mark 3:13-21)

Jesus, however, withdrew from the crowds that followed Him and went “up into a mountain,” where He called and “ordained the Twelve,” among whom was “Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed Him” (Mark 3:13-19). Nevertheless, the sick and afflicted pressed upon Jesus and His disciples “so that they could not so much as eat bread” (Mark 3:20). Though multitudes followed Him, we find that Jesus’ “friends” [e.g., His family] sought to “lay hold on Him,” saying among themselves, “He is beside Himself” (Mark 3:21).

Jesus Questioned by His Family and Rejected by His Enemies (Mark 3:21-29)

Thousands followed Jesus and benefited from His miracles (His power to heal and His authority over demons). Yet His half-siblings [e.g., “His friends,” literally the sons and daughters born to Joseph and Mary] believed He was out of His mind (Mark 3:21, 31-32). The religious leaders of the day were among Christ’s enemies (Mark 3:22-30). Mark mentions a delegation of scribes (experts in the law) who came from Jerusalem and accused Jesus of being possessed by Beelzebub, saying, “By the prince of the devils casteth he out devils” (Mark 3:22).

Jesus, in a brilliant yet straightforward reproof, reasoned with those religious hypocrites and exposed the absurdity of their accusations. He asked, “How can Satan cast out Satan?” (Mark 3:23). With a stinging rebuke, He warned, “Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation” (Mark 3:28-29).

Spiritual Brethren Closer Than Family (Mark 3:31-35)

Mark 3 closed with Jesus’ half-siblings coming to Him again, this time with their mother, Mary (Mark 3:31-32). When Jesus was told that His mother and brethren wanted to see Him, He replied, “Who is my mother, or my brethren?” (Mark 3:33). Jesus then answered His own question, saying, “Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother” (Mark 3:34-35).

Closing thoughts –

Why did Jesus liken those who “do the will of God” to His own brother, sister, and mother?

Physical and familial ties are, at best, earthly and temporal. Yet there is a spiritual kinship and friendship among believers that is eternal. Why? What is the tie that binds believers? Our mutual love for the LORD and our saving faith in Jesus Christ bind us. We are brothers and sisters in Christ and joint heirs of the kingdom of God (Romans 8:16-17).

John 15:12 – This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

 Questions to ponder:

1) Why were so many people following Jesus? (Mark 3:10)

2) Why did Jesus ordain the Twelve? (Mark 3:14-15)

3) How did the scribes explain Christ’s authority over demons? (Mark 3:22)

4) What blasphemy did the scribes commit against the Holy Ghost? (Mark 3:29-30)

Copyright © 2026 – Travis D. Smith 

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