Identifying Jesus (Mark 3:20-35)
The latest sermon at St Paul's & St Barnabas Anglican Church delves into Mark 3:20-35, a passage where Jesus' relentless ministry pace brings both admiration and accusation. Jesus' family thinks He has lost His mind, and the religious leaders accuse Him of being in league with evil forces. This sermon, titled "Identifying Jesus," aims to clarify Jesus' true identity and the profound implications of recognising and misidentifying Him.
He Is Either Mad or a Double Agent!
After naming the disciples on the mountainside, Jesus and His new followers return to civilisation, quickly attracting a crowd. His charisma and authority draw people in, but also stir up controversy. News spreads about His teachings, miracles, and confrontations with the Pharisees. Despite the modern world's fast-paced news dissemination, Jesus' time relied on oral traditions and local conversations. Yet, His impact was profound, drawing both fame and infamy.
The news of Jesus’ ministry reaches His family, who are unimpressed and concerned. They believe He is out of His mind and attempt to seize Him, reflecting a grave misunderstanding of His mission. The Pharisees, troubled by Jesus' influence, accuse Him of working with evil forces. They claim His ability to cast out demons stems from being aligned with the prince of demons. These misidentifications stem from their inability to accept Jesus' true identity and the implications of His teachings and miracles.
Scripture Reading
Read the passage from Mark 3:20-30 on the ESV website: Mark 3:20-30 ESV
Some key verses from the passage include:
"Then he went home, and the crowd gathered again, so that they could not even eat." (Mark 3:20 ESV)
"And when his family heard it, they went out to seize him, for they were saying, 'He is out of his mind.'" (Mark 3:21 ESV)
"And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem were saying, 'He is possessed by Beelzebul,' and 'by the prince of demons he casts out the demons.'" (Mark 3:22 ESV)
"And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand." (Mark 3:25 ESV)
"Whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother." (Mark 3:35 ESV)
The Importance of Jesus' Identity
Misidentifying Jesus has severe consequences. The passage makes it clear that recognising Jesus' true identity is crucial for understanding His mission and the kingdom He heralds. The Pharisees' flawed logic is debunked by Jesus, who explains that a divided kingdom cannot stand. This highlights the absurdity of their accusations and reinforces Jesus' authority and mission.
Conclusion
The sermon concludes by emphasising the importance of correctly identifying Jesus and living according to His will. As believers, we are called to understand and proclaim Jesus' true identity, recognising Him as the Messiah who unites us in a kingdom family. This recognition shapes our mission to do the will of God and live out His call in our daily lives.
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