This post accompanies my reading of Mark 3 on the Circular Grace YouTube channel.
Jesus heals a withered hand!
Chapter Three continues seamlessly from the previous chapter where Jesus has corrected the Pharisees about the purpose of the Sabbath day. Jesus reveals to the scrutinising religious leaders who are accusing Him of blaspheme that He is Lord of the Sabbath.
In Chapter Three, Jesus follows His declaration of deity with evidence in the form of a miracle before their very eyes. He heals a man with a withered hand. The Pharisees despite having witnessed the miracle first hand, reject Jesus and team up with their enemies to plot to destroy Jesus.
Let's jump into a few respected commentary for further clarity on this chapter.
Bible Hub Commentary
It is not clear if the end of chapter 2 and the beginning of chapter 1 are a record of what happened on a single day or whether Chapter 2 is the record of what happens on the following Sabbath day. This commentary indicates it is likely the latter.
Further clarity about the nature of the accused blaspheme is clarified, drawing our attention to the fact, that the initial accusations are pointed at the actions of the disciples rather than Jesus.
Verse 2. - The scribes had already the evidence that our Lord had permitted his disciples to rub the ears of corn on the sabbath day. But this was the act of the disciple, not his. What he was now preparing to do was an act of miraculous power. And here the ease was stronger, because work, which was prohibited under pain of death by the Law (Exodus 31:14), was understood to include every act not absolutely necessary.
There is a richness of clarity contained in this commentary and I really recommend a browse. Before moving to our next commentary, I'll leave you with this snippet that focuses on Jesus' reaction to the Scribes and Pharisees:
Verse 5. - When he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved συλλυπούμενος) - the word has a touch of "condolence" in it - at the hardening of their heart. All this is very characteristic of St. Mark, who is careful to notice the visible expression of our Lord's feelings in his looks. The account is evidently from an eye-witness, or from one who had it from an eye-witness. He looked round about on them with anger.
For more follow the link.
https://biblehub.com/commentaries/pulpit/mark/3.htm
Blue Letter Bible Commentary
Rich in both clarity and message, this commentary is well worth a little time to read. I've selected another snippet relating to the miracle healing. This commentary points out how very callous the judgement of the Pharisees is. Jesus asks the man with the withered hand to show himself so that his immense suffering can be witnessed by all present. This man was severely handicapped and his life very difficult as a result.
5. The enemies of Christ dealt very barbarously with him. Such a work of mercy should have engaged their love to him, and such a work of wonder their faith in him. But, instead of that, the Pharisees, who pretended to be oracles in the church, and the Herodians, who pretended to be the supporters of the state, though of opposite interests one to another, took counsel together against him, how they might destroy him. Note, They that suffer for doing good, do but suffer as their Master did.
Also to be found in this commentary is some good information about the 12 Apostle's Jesus calls. Jesus had many, many disciples but only called 12 and this mirrors the 12 tribes of Israel. Jesus ordains the 12 and grants them powers to heal the sick and preach the Gospel.
6. Their number and names; He ordained twelve, according to the number of the twelve tribes of Israel. They are here named not just in the same order as they were in Matthew, nor by couples, as they were there; but as there, so here, Peter is put first and Judas last. Here Matthew is put before Thomas, probably being called in that order; but in that catalogue which Matthew himself drew up, he puts himself after Thomas; so far was he from insisting upon the precedency of his consecration. But that which Mark only takes notice of in this list of the apostles, is, that Christ called James and John Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder; perhaps they were remarkable for a loud commanding voice, they were thundering preachers; or, rather, it denotes the zeal and fervency of their spirits, which would make them active for God above their brethren. These two (saith Dr. Hammond) were to be special eminent ministers of the gospel, which is called a voice shaking the earth, Heb. 12:26. Yet John, one of those sons of thunder, was full of love and tenderness, as appears by his epistles, and was the beloved disciple.
For the full commentary, follow the link.
https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/mhc/Mar/Mar_003.cfm
Enduring Word Commentary
One of my favourite commentary sites because of the in-depth explanation provided. This commentary provides additional thought on those who reject Jesus. I liked the comparison to how many of us too may experience the rejection of our faith by those we are close to.
i. Jesus constantly faced the rejection of the religious and political leaders of the day, and in a way their hatred of Jesus made sense – He actually threatened their status quo. Undoubtedly, it was far more painful and challenging for Jesus to deal with the way His own people rejected Him. It isn’t easy to be profoundly misunderstood as you try to walk with God. “When the Lord said ‘a man’s enemies will be those in his own home’ (see Matthew 10:36), He may well have been speaking from bitter experience.” (Cole)
There are different kinds of rejection and this commentary highlights that the Pharisees are not motivated by disbelief or a lack of faith. They are motivated by self preservation. Jesus is going to change everything including their lucrative positions of authority. If they accept Jesus as Lord, they must also obey His command and give up everything they love about their worldly position.
i. His own people misunderstood Jesus, but the scribes who came down from Jerusalem viciously and cynically attacked Jesus. Because of their official position, this was the first step in the plot to destroy Jesus referred to in Mark 3:6. Before they could destroy Him, they had to first discredit Jesus in the eyes of the multitude.
I'll leave you with some important clarity on the 'unforgivable sin', blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. Like me you may have worried about committing this terrible sin and never being forgiven. Rest easy, as a Saved believer you have not committed this sin. Your faith has healed you of the temptation, you can't commit this sin. Read the explanation:
iii. The blasphemy of the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven – not because it is a sin “too big” for God to forgive, but because it is an attitude of heart that cares nothing for God’s forgiveness. It never has forgiveness because it never wants forgiveness God’s way.
For the full commentary:
https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/mark-3/
I hope you have found something that has deepened your understanding of the Gospel message in these commentaries. If you have any questions, thoughts or comments, share them. You'll see the comment button below the post.
