Unites Jesus Calls Believers to Be Marked by Doing God’S Will

Session 3

Unites Jesus calls believers to be marked by doing God’s will.

MARK 3:23-35

MEMORY VERSE: MARK 3:35

READ Mark 3:7–4:34, First Thoughts (p . 34), and Understand the Context (p . 34) . Notice the growing animosity of religious leaders toward Jesus and what their charges against Him reveal about their view of salvation .

STUDY Mark 3:23-35, using Explore the Text on pages 35–39 . Utilize the Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary for more information on blasphemy and the unpardonable sin . Reflect on how you’ll describe the unpardonable sin to the group in easy to understand language . For more insight, read the article on “Jesus and the Unpardonable Sin” provided by Calvin Wittman, the general editor for this study of Mark, available online at Blog L. ifeWay c. om/ExploretheBible/Category/Blog/Adults .

PLAN the group time, looking for ways to incorporate the Suggested Music Idea (p . 42) in the session . Use the ideas under Lead Group Bible Study (pp . 40–41), and More Ideas (p . 42) . Examine Abraham Lincoln’s speech, “A House Divided” if you plan to use the suggestion in More Ideas (p . 42) .

GROW from expert insights on weekly studies through the Ministry Grid (MinistryGrid c. om/Web/ ExploretheBible) .

GATHER the following items: Personal Study Guides; Pictures that show family resemblance . For More Ideas: Note cards and group member addresses . Prepare to display: PACK ITEM 1 (Map: Places in Jesus’ Ministry); and PACK ITEM 2 (Outline of Mark) . Make copies of: PACK ITEM 7 (Handout: Mark Time Line); and PACK ITEM 8 (Handout: Memory Verse Bookmark) .

Date of My Bible Study:______33 © 2019 LifeWay FIRST THOUGHTS KEY DOCTRINE It happens every time a baby is born. Friends and relatives try to decide if The Church the new arrival has his mother’s eyes or her father’s chin. It’s only natural to A New Testament church of look for the physical features that identify a child as a proud member of his the Lord Jesus Christ is an or her family. The same principle works for our spiritual family. Jesus said autonomous local congregation and did things that reflected His relationship with His heavenly Father. of baptized believers, associated Likewise, we need to reflect the “family resemblance.” by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel (In PSG, p. 28) What are some physical characteristics you share with your (Acts 2:41-42). human family? What are some ways you try to reflect your relationship with Christ?

UNDERSTAND THE CONTEXT BIBLE SKILL

Memorize a verse and apply it to a MARK 3:7–4:34 real life situation. This section of Mark’s Gospel develops the general theme of the rejection of Jesus’ authority. That theme is evident in our focal passage as we consider Memorize Mark 3:35 in your how Jesus’ opponents accused Him of working by Satan’s power. Below is a preferred Bible translation. Then bullet-point list of the headings of this week’s core passage, Mark 3:7–4:34. write the verse in your own words. Finally write a couple of • Ministering to the multitude (3:7-12) sentences here or in a journal, • The twelve apostles (3:13-19) stating how the verse can help • A house divided (3:20-30) you today make a tough decision or face a difficult situation. • True relationships (3:31-35) • The parable of the sower (4:1-9) • Why Jesus used parables (4:10-12) • The parable of the sower explained (4:13-20) • Using your light (4:21-25) • The parable of the growing seed (4:26-29) • The parable of the mustard seed (4:30-32) • Using parables (4:33-34) It is easy to observe, both in the headings above as well as in this week’s study, that Mark was keen to show Jesus as a teller of parables. We’ll pay close attention to what parables are and consider how Jesus excelled at these “earthly stories with a heavenly meaning,” as they have popularly been defined.

UNDIVIDED HOUSE (MARK 3:23-30)

VERSES 23-26 Crowds eagerly followed Jesus wherever He went in Galilee. He healed VERSES 23-26 the sick, proved His authority over evil spirits, designated twelve of His disciples as apostles, and sent them to preach and heal and cast out evil 23 So he summoned spirits under His authority (Mark 3:13-15). At the same time, opposition to them and spoke to Jesus by the Jerusalem religious elite did not let up. We observed last week that an investigation committee of scribes them in parables: “How resisted His claim to forgive sins as only God forgives (2:6-7). After that, can Satan drive out He was criticized for eating with the wrong kind of people (2:16). Then His Satan? 24 If a kingdom opponents complained because He did not follow the traditional rules about is divided against itself, observing the Sabbath (2:24). They became so furious when He healed a man one Sabbath day that they started plotting to destroy Him (3:6). that kingdom cannot With such opposition alongside non-stop crowd ministry, it’s no wonder stand. 25 If a house is that His biological family was concerned about Him (3:20-21). Further, a divided against itself, delegation of Jerusalem scribes—whether a different group or the same old tormenters is not known—came up with a new accusation. They couldn’t that house cannot deny His miracles or His power over evil spirits. So they insisted that His stand. 26 And if Satan power came from Satan. opposes himself and Jesus often used questions to force people to reframe an issue. That was is divided, he cannot the case here. At this point, His opponents were still willing to speak with Him, so he summoned them. Mark characterized Jesus’ following words stand but is finished. as parables. The Greek term translated “parable” in English is parabole, meaning a comparison. Jesus was an expert in using a familiar situation to illustrate spiritual reality. In verse 23 Jesus set up His parables with a question for which the answer should have been obvious. Both Jesus and His opponents recognized Satan as an evil being whose deeds were always evil. Both Jesus and His opponents recognized that casting out demons was a good thing—and a detriment to Satan and the demons. If so, then shouldn’t they agree that for Satan to work against himself would be foolish? Verses 24-25 contain two brief parables. Each makes the same point. The Jews knew all too well their national history when the Israelite kingdom fell BIBLICAL apart after the death of Solomon. Jeroboam succeeded in dividing the ILLUSTRATOR kingdom, and the resulting kingdoms were significantly weakened (1 Kings 12). When Jesus referred to a house being divided, He was referring For additional context, read to families, which cannot stand when the husband and wife become “Idumea in the First Century” in divided—or when parents and children experience a generational split. the Spring 2019 issue of Biblical Both of Jesus’ illustrations focus on human beings as commonly observed. Illustrator. Available at LifeWay. The application Jesus made was to supernatural spiritual reality. com/BiblicalIllustrator. Jesus drew a logical deduction from His two parables. If nations and families divided by internal opposition cannot stand, then the same thing is true in the supernatural realm. If Satan opposes himself—for example, by casting evil spirits out of individuals—then he is divided. He and his evil works are already doomed to failure. He cannot stand but is finished.

Session 3 : Unites 35 © 2019 LifeWay VERSE 27 VERSE 27 Jesus’ third parable made a slightly different but related point. He asked His hearers to imagine a house in which the homeowner was a strong 27 But no one can enter a man—someone fully capable of protecting his possessions from robbery. strong man’s house and Under what scenario might such a house be burglarized if the homeowner was present? The only way for this to happen would be for such a robber, plunder his possessions more powerful than the strong man, to overpower the strong man and tie unless he first ties up him up. After that, the robber can plunder his (the strong man’s) house. the strong man. Then he Thestrong man represents Satan. The stronger one represents Jesus. The house is the domain of human beings where Satan has continued to have can plunder his house. an evil impact. Now, however, through His always-successful ministry of casting out demons, Jesus was showing that He was more powerful than Satan. He was plundering his possessions (those whom Satan had controlled) by casting out evil spirits. The first two parables (3:24-25) illustrate that Satan was not at work in and through Jesus’ exorcisms. The parable about the strong man illustrated that Jesus’ exorcisms proved He was more powerful than Satan.

VERSES 28-30 VERSES 28-30 In verses 28-30, Jesus shifted topics. He had just illustrated the folly of accusing Him of casting out evil spirits by Satan’s power. Now He addressed 28 “Truly I tell you, the spiritual condition of those who made such an accusation. He showed people will be forgiven the seriousness of what He was about to say with the introductory words, Truly I tell you. for all sins and whatever Jesus prefaced His solemn declaration with an amazing promise that blasphemies they should fill everyone with great hope. Yes, all people sin. Yes, our sins are utter. 29 But whoever ultimately against God Himself. But God delights to forgive people of all their sins. (The sentence structure uses a passive verb—people will blasphemes against be forgiven—with the obvious meaning, “God will forgive.”) Even the the Holy Spirit never grievous sin of uttering blasphemies will be forgiven by God. Blasphemy has forgiveness, but is irreverent or profane speech about God. It was prohibited in the Third is guilty of an eternal Commandment and carried the death penalty in ancient Israel (Ex. 20:7; 30 Lev. 24:16). However, Jesus was promising God’s willingness to forgive sin”— because they even the most grievous sin directed against Him personally. (Repentance were saying, “He has an for such sins is assumed by Jesus as a condition for forgiveness; nowhere in unclean spirit.” Scripture is there any suggestion that divine forgiveness for the impenitent is ever granted.) There was, Jesus went on to warn, one sin God wouldnever forgive, because one committing this sin was guilty of an eternal sin. This occurs when a person blasphemes against the Holy Spirit. When we consider the immediate context, we can see that the scribes had attributed Jesus’ power to Satan rather than to the Holy Spirit. Individuals who insist that Satan is accomplishing what the Spirit of God has actually done are so spiritually bankrupt that they will never repent. This sin is eternal because they have made themselves unable to accept the remedy for sin. Often this evil has been called “the unpardonable sin.” The verb tense ofthey were saying is critical in understanding the unpardonable sin. It implies repeated or habitual action: “they kept

36 Explore the Bible | Leader Guide © 2019 LifeWay on saying.” Thus, it’s a persistent conviction that what the Spirit is doing is actually Satan’s work that puts someone in such grave spiritual danger. In this instance, the scribes kept insisting that Jesus, the holy, sinless Son of God, was working miracles because He had an unclean spirit. Their consciences were seared beyond repair. A further point about the unforgivable sin is worth noting. When individuals express concern that they may have committed a sin too great for God to forgive, their very awareness of their offense demonstrates that they are not hardened entirely to spiritual truth. They have not committed the unpardonable sin. Jesus’ promise in Mark 3:28 is applicable to them.

Have you ever wondered whether you committed the unpardonable sin? How did you work through this matter? Do you know someone who may be guilty—or on the verge of—the unpardonable sin? What is the best way you can relate to them?

MISUNDERSTOOD BY FAMILY (MARK 3:31-32)

VERSES 31-32 In Mark 3:21, Jesus’ family members had tried to rescue Him from what VERSES 31-32 they thought was insanity. Yet again, Jesus’ mother and his brothers arrived. They thought He would surely grant them direct access to His 31 His mother and his presence as they were standing outside the place where Jesus was. We do brothers came, and not know who they used to get the word to Him that they were present and that they wanted to speak with Him. In other words, they wanted Him to standing outside, they interrupt the ministry that God had called Him to fulfill. sent word to him and These brothers of Jesus were the children of Mary and Joseph—His called him. 32 A crowd half-siblings. We don’t know how many of them arrived; James, Joses, was sitting around Judas, and Simon were the names of four of them. His brothers are named and his mother is called “Mary” in Mark 6:3; otherwise she is not mentioned him and told him, in this Gospel. Many Bible students have suggested that since Joseph was “Look, your mother, not mentioned as present here (or anywhere else in any Gospel after Jesus’ your brothers, and baptism), he had passed away. At least two of the brothers later became believers and contributed books to our New Testament—the epistles of your sisters are outside James and Jude. (See Acts 1:14.) asking for you.” The peoplesitting around him were indoors and included Jesus’ disciples. Those seated near Jesus interrupted Him with the information that His immediate family members had arrived. For the first time, Jesus’ sisters are mentioned, but their names are nowhere told. (The only other biblical mention of them is Matthew 13:56.) Mark appears to emphasize the distinction between the family members who were left outside and those with direct access to Jesus inside.

Session 3 : Unites 37 © 2019 LifeWay Obviously at this point His family members, even Mary, did not understand His mission. As we will see, Jesus was not deterred by their confusion about Him. Further, if this happened to our Lord, we should not be shocked if the same kind of thing happens to us as His followers. Our friends and family may not understand why we are following Jesus. They may have expectations that we can no longer fulfill.

Has a family member or friend ever questioned your commitment to Jesus? How did you respond? How could you encourage another follower of Jesus whose family has cut off ties?

Our friends and family may not understand why we are following Jesus. They may have expectations that we can no longer fulfill.

UNITED BY PURPOSE (MARK 3:33-35)

VERSES 33-35 VERSES 33-35 Jesus often interacted with others by asking questions (2:9,19,25; 3:4,23). His question this time was obviously meant to get people to think beyond 33 He replied to them, the obvious. On the surface, His family members were those outside; they “Who are my mother were known to the others present as His biological relatives. They were, we might say, Jesus’ natural family. and my brothers? ” It was easy in those days—and to an extent in our times—to suppose 34 Looking at those that “blood relatives” are supremely important as far as one’s identity was sitting in a circle around concerned. Matthew and Luke even recorded the genealogies of Jesus. It was a point of pride that many Jews traced their lineage from Abraham. him, he said, “Here are Yet even John the Baptist had pointed out that having Abraham as one’s my mother and my natural ancestor didn’t count for anything spiritually (Matt. 3:9). brothers! 35 Whoever Jesus’ question was not intended to be a harsh rejection of His natural does the will of God is family. He provided for Mary even from the cross (John 19:27). He was, however, making the point that some relationships are even more my brother and sister significant than natural blood relationships. and mother.” Jesus restated this same truth in even starker terms when He declared that His followers must “hate” their family members and even their own lives (Luke 14:26). He meant that our loyalty to Him must be so unwavering that, if we ever have to choose, we will follow Him steadfastly rather than acquiesce to what our family members expect of us.

38 Explore the Bible | Leader Guide © 2019 LifeWay The wordslooking at suggest a pause. The people present were waiting for Jesus to answer His own question. Those sitting in a circle around Him were obviously His disciples and did not include the scribes. Many Bible students have noted that the very best place for a disciple is at the Lord’s feet. Today’s disciples cannot literally sit His feet, but we do so metaphorically by humbling ourselves to Him and seeking to learn from Him and obey Him. Jesus then astounded His listeners by declaring that He was part of a different kind of family. Family is now understood as those who are united with Jesus and His purposes. His teaching was radical because it challenged the common understanding of the most basic human institution. Jesus did not on this occasion use the language of adoption—which the apostle Paul would later use to develop the idea of how God’s new family is being built. However, two passages in the epistles shed further light on Jesus’ spiritual family—with God as the Father, Jesus as the oldest brother, and believers as His younger siblings: • Ephesians 3:14-15: Paul wrote that he knelt “before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named.” • Hebrews 2:11-12: The author wrote that Jesus is “not ashamed to call them [believers] brothers and sisters, saying, ‘I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters.’”

Following God’s will for our lives is of greater value than any natural claim on us.

The one whodoes the will of God is the one who seeks wholeheartedly to love and to obey God supremely. This was Jesus’ own passionate commitment. When He agonized in the garden of Gethsemane, He prayed, “Abba! All things are possible for you. Take this cup away from me. Nevertheless, not what I will, but what you will” (Mark 14:36). He was totally committed to fulfill the Father’s plans, which were greater than the plans that Mary or others may have had for Him. We, too, are challenged to follow Jesus’ example here: following God’s will for our lives is of greater value than any natural claim on us. The first readers of Mark’s Gospel were almost certainly Gentiles, not Jews. For the most part, modern Christians who read Mark have no biological or natural descent from Abraham. How encouraging it is for us to know that being in a family relationship with God Himself is not a matter of genetics but of following the will of the heavenly Father!

How often do you remember that Jesus considers you a member of His true family? How can you make doing God’s will is your priority?

FOCUS ATTENTION (FIRST THOUGHTS) DISPLAY: Before the group arrives, display photos of you as a child with your parents. Note the family resemblances (or ask a group member to display his or her pictures). Invite group members to share ways they resemble their parents in appearance or actions.

EXPLAIN: Proud parents of newborns always look for family resemblances that identify the child as theirs; so too our relationship with Christ identifies us as part of His family. The church directory is a representation of part of our spiritual family. Note: Adapt this scenario to the life situations of your group, being sensitive to those who have adopted children or who may be struggling with infertility.

ASK: What are some physical characteristics you share with your human family? What are some ways you try to reflect your relationship with Christ? (PSG, p. 28)

TRANSITION: In the last session we saw a demonstration of Jesus’ authority over sin as He healed the paralyzed man and said that his sins were forgiven. That action stirred up conflict between Jesus and the scribes. In today’s session the scribes continue to try to discredit Jesus. At this point in Jesus’ ministry, there was growing animosity from the religious leaders as He redefined the rules and threatened the establishment.

EXPLORE THE TEXT CONTEXTUALIZE: Utilizing Pack Item 1 (Map: Places in Jesus’ Ministry), Pack Item 2 (Outline of Mark; also on p. 9 of the PSG), and Pack Item 7 (Handout: Mark Time Line) discuss the setting for the focal passage, how this session moves to the second point of the outline as Jesus’ authority is rejected, and where on the time line today’s study fits.

READ: Invite a volunteer to read Mark 3:23, while the group listens for Jesus’ initial response to the charge from the scribes.

ANALYZE: In verse 23 Jesus asks, “How can Satan drive out Satan?” How does Jesus’ introductory question refute the argument presented by the scribes?

READ: Direct the group to read silently Mark 3:24-26, looking for how Jesus used a parable to clarify His initial question. Then read aloud Matthew 12:25-28 directing the group to listen for any additional information they hear in these verses.

EXPLAIN: These verses indicate that internal strife would produce chaos rather than unity. To further illustrate His point, Jesus shared another parable.

READ: Invite a volunteer to read Mark 3:27, while the group considers how they might paraphrase this verse.

PARAPHRASE: Lead the group to paraphrase verse 27 in today’s language.

ASK: How does Jesus explanation offset the accusation of the scribes?

TRANSITION: Jesus’ enemies were specifically charging Him with blasphemy, but in the next verses Jesus refuted the charge.

RELATE: Point out how Jesus begin this argument at the beginning of verse 28. Say: By His word choice, Jesus indicated that He was making a serious pronouncement.

GUIDE: Lead the group to turn to a neighbor, reread verses 28-30, and determine at least two truths they might gain from these verses. Direct them to the PSG (pp. 31–32) for additional insight. Record the truths shared by the groups on a board.

QUERY: How would you explain the unpardonable sin to others? What ramification does this teaching have for believers today? (PSG, p. 32)

REINFORCE: Be certain the group understands that the religious leaders were hardening their hearts with the promised Messiah standing right before them. It’s dangerous to attribute God’s work to Satan, hardening our hearts to the Spirit.

TRANSITION: In addition to the charges of the scribes, Jesus’ own physical family misunderstood His words and actions.

READ: Invite a volunteer to read Mark 3:31-32 to see Jesus’ family’s response to His ministry.

ASK: How would you respond if your family did not understand your following Jesus? (PSG, p. 33)

READ: Read aloud Mark 3:33-35, instructing the group to listen for how we’re all united in Christ. Distribute Pack Item 8 (Handout: Memory Verse Bookmark) and lead the group to read the memory verse (Mark 3:35) together.

DISCUSS: Connecting to the memory verse, call for volunteers to share what they discovered as a result of completing the Bible Skill activity (PSG, p. 35) for this week.

TRANSITION: Verse 35 reveals that believers in Christ are part of a spiritual family.

REFLECT: How does being members of God’s family affect our daily lives? What can believers do to truly live out their relationships as children of the King? (PSG, p. 35)

SUMMARIZE AND CHALLENGE (IN MY CONTEXT) REVIEW: In today’s study Jesus refuted the charge of blasphemy, continued to reveal Himself as Messiah, and expanded the concept of a spiritual family. Direct attention to the displayed pictures, and remind the group that believers are part of two families.

EVALUATE: Encourage the group to consider their responses to the second question set under In My Context (PSG, p. 36): When has your commitment to Jesus put you at odds with members of your family? How did that experience draw you closer to Him? How did it help you minister to your family more effectively? (PSG, p. 36) Call for volunteers to share.

PRAY: Lead in a closing prayer, thanking God that we can be a part of His family and asking Him to help us be a light in both our physical and spiritual families.

Session 3 : Unites 41 © 2019 LifeWay PRACTICE • Send a reminder to the group, encouraging the memorization of Mark 3:35 and prompting them to contact someone in the group whom they have missed. • For your personal prayer time, divide the group into six groups and spend time each day praying specifically for the individuals in each one of the groups.

MORE IDEAS

FOCUS ATTENTION (FIRST THOUGHTS) As another option for focusing attention with the group, reference the speech “House Divided” delivered by Abraham Lincoln on June 16, 1858. Lincoln said, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” He also stated, “I do not expect the house to fall; but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing, or all the other.” Share that Abraham Lincoln quoted Mark 3:25 as our nation faced a civil war, but Jesus shared the teaching to help us understand that Satan would never tolerate a civil war within the evil realm. Lead the group to propose why they think a house divided will not stand.

EXPLORE THE TEXT • To supplement the study of Mark 3:23-27, direct the group to reread the verses silently and ponder why Jesus used these two parables together. Discuss differences noted in the two parables. Lead the group to put themselves in the place of the scribes, and share with a neighbor what their responses to the parables might have been. • Invite volunteers to read Mark 3:35 in different Bible translations. Encourage the group to memorize the verse in their preferred Bible translation, and write the verse in their own words.

SUMMARIZE AND CHALLENGE (IN MY CONTEXT) Lead the group to discuss the first question set under In My Context on page 36 of the PSG: Describe a time when you saw God’s power at work over the enemy. How does that experience encourage you to trust Him more today? Focus on building relationships within the church family by providing note cards and addresses for the group to use to write persons who are absent or unable to attend regularly due to work or health concerns.

SUGGESTED MUSIC IDEA To reinforce the truth found in Mark 3:35, sing together the song “The Family of God,” by Gloria Gaither and William J. Gaither, to close the session.