Mark 3 starts with the story of Jesus healing the man with the withered hand (vs. 1-6). Then Jesus and his disciples withdrew to the sea, but the people crowded around him. Jesus told his disciples to prepare a small boat for them because the people were crowding him so much. He healed many. However the demons were unhappy with Jesus healing people and teaching them about God’s love. The demons screamed that Jesus was the Son of God. Jesus told them to be quiet and not tell anyone who he was. (vs. 7-12).
Jesus then called the twelve disciples aside and officially “called” them to follow him. (vs. 13-19). Then Mark records the story we looked at yesterday but adds a few things. Jesus’ family had heard about him healing people, the demons screaming at him, and other things, but they were not happy. The scribes were telling the people (and Jesus’ family) that Jesus was crazy – out of his mind, possessed by demons. They said it was by the power of the demons that he was casting out demons. (vs. 20-30). Keeping in mind that when the book of Mark was first written there were no chapters, no punctuation, no grammar checker either, Mark tells the story we studied yesterday of Jesus’ mother and brothers wanting to talk with him. (vs 31-35).
Both Matthew and Mark’s letters in the Bible were inspired by God. Yet, the story is told just a little differently. Different aspects emphasized, but it doesn’t make either of them wrong or either of them the only right story. Jesus’ mother and his brothers are mentioned in both versions of retelling of the story.
What can I learn from today’s lesson? God allows us to be ourselves when sharing our testimony of what He has done and is doing in our lives. There’s no right or wrong as long as we are faithful and truthful about telling our story. Different people will remember different things about any given event.
There is an old story that has many versions of it out there. I’m not going to retell it, but I’m going to share the video. Six Blind Men and the Elephant.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing us to be valued and unique. We are not made to be robots without having individual personalities. Even Mary, the mother of Jesus, didn’t fully understand what his purpose and function was to be on this earth, yet she loved him very much. Help us to accept others in their uniqueness and to value them as You value each of us.
Published on MyBibleRoom.com 6/5/25, 8:00pm