"THE GOSPEL OF MARK"

Chapter Three

Jesus healed on the Sabbath, giving rise to plots on His life and later accused of healing by the power of the devil (1-6,22-30). His popularity with the multitude continued, and twelve apostles are appointed to preach and heal (7-19). Concern by friends and family gave Jesus opportunity to identify His true family as those who do the will of God (20-21,31-35).

POINTS TO PONDER

• Increasing opposition, popularity of the crowds, concern of friends and family
• The blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, and the true family of Jesus

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. What are the main points of this chapter?
   - Jesus heals on the Sabbath - Mk 3:1-6
   - Ministering to the multitudes - Mk 3:7-12
   - Selection of twelve apostles - Mk 3:13-19
   - Concern of friends, accusation by scribes - Mk 3:20-30
   - The true family of Jesus - Mk 3:31-35
2. How did Jesus respond to the charge against healing on the Sabbath? (4)
   - "Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?"
3. Who began to plot to destroy Jesus? (6)
   - The Pharisees together with the Herodians
4. Where did the multitude come from that followed Jesus? (7-8)
   - Galilee, Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, beyond the Jordan, Tyre, Sidon
5. Why did Jesus appoint twelve disciples (apostles)? (13-15)
   - To be with Him, then send them out to preach, heal sicknesses, cast out demons
6. What did some of Jesus' own people think about Him? (21)
   - That He was out of His mind
7. How did Jesus reply to casting out demons by the power of Satan? (22-27)
   - "How can Satan cast out Satan?"
   - A kingdom (house) divided against itself cannot stand
8. What does Mark define as the "unpardonable sin"? (28-30)
   - Blaspheming the Holy Spirit by accusing Jesus of having an unclean spirit
9. Who does Jesus describe as His true family? (33-35)
   - Whoever does the will of God is His brother, sister, and mother