3.4 Sandwich Story, Part 1  
Jesus’ Relatives and the Accusation of the Scribes

Read Mark 3:20-25. What connection do you see between the intertwined accounts in this section?

In Mark 3:20-25, we encounter the first “sandwich report” in the Gospel of Mark, a literary technique where a story begins, is interrupted by another, and then completed. This technique enhances the central message and thematically links the two stories.

The Two Intertwined Accounts

1. The Framing Story (Mark 3:20-21):

   • Jesus’ relatives hear about his intense activity and believe he has lost his mind. They set out to take charge of him. This reaction shows the misunderstanding and doubt even within his close circle.

2. The Central Story (Mark 3:22-30):

   • The scribes from Jerusalem accuse Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul. Jesus refutes their accusation by showing that Satan would not work against himself and explains that a divided kingdom cannot stand.

Connection and Thematic Linkage

1. Misunderstanding and Rejection:

   • Both stories deal with the rejection and misunderstanding of Jesus and his work. His own relatives doubt his sanity, while the scribes demonize his divine power.

   • This linkage highlights that Jesus is misunderstood and rejected by both close acquaintances and religious authorities.

2. Conflict Between Good and Evil:

   • The central story emphasizes the battle between good and evil, with Jesus exposing the absurdity of the scribes’ claim. He explains that he came to destroy Satan’s work and free his captives.

   • This depiction is complemented by the framing story, where the reaction of his relatives reflects the deeper spiritual misunderstandings of the people around Jesus.

3. The Power of Jesus:

   • Jesus demonstrates his power and authority over evil. By using the example of binding the strong man to plunder his house, Jesus shows that he has the power to overcome Satan and free people.

   • This contrasts with the weakness and confusion of his relatives, who think he is out of his mind, and the accusations of the scribes, who fail to recognize his divine mission.

Read Mark 3:28-30. What is the unforgivable sin, and what does it mean?

In Mark 3:28-30, Jesus speaks about the unforgivable sin, the sin against the Holy Spirit. This passage is crucial for understanding the nature of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit and its consequences.

The Unforgivable Sin

1. Jesus’ Warning:

   • In Mark 3:28-29, Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.”

   • This warning highlights the severity of the sin against the Holy Spirit. While all other sins and slanders can be forgiven, there is no forgiveness for blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.

2. The Context:

   • Mark 3:30 provides the reason for Jesus’ warning: “He said this because they were saying, ‘He has an impure spirit.’” The scribes claimed that Jesus, who was actually working in the Holy Spirit, was acting by the power of the devil.

   • This claim is an example of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, as it attributes the work of the Holy Spirit to the work of the devil.

The Meaning of the Unforgivable Sin

1. Misrepresentation of the Holy Spirit:

   • The unforgivable sin is consciously and maliciously misrepresenting the work of the Holy Spirit as demonic. This shows a deep-rooted refusal and hardening against God’s work.

   • When someone calls the work of the Holy Spirit the work of the devil, they exclude themselves from divine grace and forgiveness by denying the source of forgiveness.

2. Inability to Accept the Truth:

   • Those who blaspheme against the Holy Spirit are unable to recognize and accept the truth. This hardening of the heart leads to a state where they can no longer seek or accept God’s forgiveness and salvation.

   • It is not that God does not want to forgive, but that the person has placed themselves in a state where they no longer seek or accept forgiveness.

Why does the fear of having committed the “unforgivable sin” show that one has not committed it? Why is the fear itself proof that one has not committed it?

The fear of having committed the “unforgivable sin” actually shows that one has not committed it. This fear itself is proof that one has not committed it. Here is why:

1. Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit:

   • The unforgivable sin involves consciously and maliciously misrepresenting the work of the Holy Spirit as demonic. This sin requires a complete hardening and rejection of the Holy Spirit.

   • If someone fears having committed this sin, it shows that they are still sensitive and receptive to the work of the Holy Spirit. This sensitivity and awareness of God’s presence indicate that the heart is not hardened.

2. Repentance and Conscience:

   • The fear of having committed an unforgivable sin is a sign of an active conscience and a willingness to repent. A hardened heart that blasphemes the Holy Spirit would feel no remorse or concern about the possibility of sin.

   • The fact that one worries and feels remorse shows that they still rely on and seek God’s guidance and forgiveness.

3. Openness to Forgiveness:

   • The unforgivable sin means being in a state where one no longer seeks or accepts God’s forgiveness. Those who fear having committed this sin show that they are seeking forgiveness and grace.

   • This pursuit of forgiveness is a clear sign that they are not in a state of total rejection and hardening.

4. Sign of Spiritual Health:

   • Concern over the possibility of committing a serious sin is a sign of spiritual health. It shows an awareness of one’s own fallibility and a longing for God’s closeness and forgiveness.

   • People who have truly committed the unforgivable sin would not be worried or concerned about their spiritual health because they have completely rejected the Holy Spirit.

Summary

The fear of having committed the unforgivable sin is a sign that one has not committed it. This fear shows that one is sensitive to the work of the Holy Spirit, has an active conscience, seeks forgiveness, and is spiritually healthy. These characteristics are incompatible with the total rejection and hardening that characterize the unforgivable sin.

The “sandwich report” in Mark 3:20-25 consists of two intertwined stories: Jesus’ relatives thinking he is out of his mind and the accusation by the scribes that he is in league with the devil. These accounts address misunderstandings, rejection, and the conflict between good and evil. Here is the connection to our daily lives and faith:

1. Dealing with Misunderstandings and Rejection:

   • Personal Application: In our lives, we may face misunderstandings and rejection from those close to us or from authorities, similar to Jesus. It is important to stay firm in our faith and not be discouraged.

   • Trust in God: Even when misunderstood or rejected by others, we should trust that God knows our path and guides us. Our focus should be on God’s will and guidance.

2. Recognizing and Combating Evil:

   • Discernment: Jesus shows that the conflict between good and evil is real. We should develop spiritual discernment to distinguish God’s work from that of evil.

   • Active Engagement: Our faith should motivate us to stand against injustice and evil, similar to how Jesus aimed to destroy Satan’s work. This can be through prayer, supporting justice projects, and active compassion.

3. Faith Despite Family Challenges:

   • Family Conflicts: Jesus’ relatives thought he was out of his mind. In our own lives, we may also encounter family conflicts regarding our faith. It is important to remain patient and loving during such times and be a witness for Christ.

   • Steadfastness: Stay steadfast in faith, even if close relatives or friends do not understand or reject your faith. Your life and actions can show them what faith means.

4. Jesus as a Role Model:

   • Following Jesus: Jesus’ reaction to misunderstandings and rejection shows us how to handle similar situations. He remained calm, clear in his mission, and trusted in God’s plan. We should emulate this example in our lives.

   • Divine Authority: By recognizing Jesus as the Lord of our lives, we can act in his authority and power to promote good and combat evil.

5. Awareness of the Unforgivable Sin:

   • Respect for the Holy Spirit: The warning against the unforgivable sin admonishes us to always be respectful and mindful of the work of the Holy Spirit. We should be careful not to misinterpret or condemn God’s work.

   • Openness and Humility: A humble heart, willing to learn from God and be guided, protects us from hardening against God’s truth.

Summary

The “sandwich report” in Mark 3:20-25 teaches us how to handle misunderstandings, rejection, and the spiritual battle between good and evil in our daily lives and faith. By following Jesus’ example, developing spiritual discernment, and remaining sensitive to the work of the Holy Spirit, we can live a life that honors God and brings his love and truth into the world.

Even when we encounter misunderstandings and rejection, we should remain firm in our faith and focus on doing good and reflecting God’s truth in our lives.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-3-controversies-3-4-sandwich-story-part-1-the-book-of-mark-living-faith/

July 17, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Zechariah Chapter 5

¹ Then I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a flying roll.

² And he said unto me, What seest thou? And I answered, I see a flying roll; the length thereof is twenty cubits, and the breadth thereof ten cubits.

³ Then said he unto me, This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off as on this side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off as on that side according to it.

⁴ I will bring it forth, saith the Lord of hosts, and it shall enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him that sweareth falsely by my name: and it shall remain in the midst of his house, and shall consume it with the timber thereof and the stones thereof.

⁵ Then the angel that talked with me went forth, and said unto me, Lift up now thine eyes, and see what is this that goeth forth.

⁶ And I said, What is it? And he said, This is an ephah that goeth forth. He said moreover, This is their resemblance through all the earth.

⁷ And, behold, there was lifted up a talent of lead: and this is a woman that sitteth in the midst of the ephah.

⁸ And he said, This is wickedness. And he cast it into the midst of the ephah; and he cast the weight of lead upon the mouth thereof.

⁹ Then lifted I up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came out two women, and the wind was in their wings; for they had wings like the wings of a stork: and they lifted up the ephah between the earth and the heaven.

¹⁰ Then said I to the angel that talked with me, Whither do these bear the ephah?

¹¹ And he said unto me, To build it an house in the land of Shinar: and it shall be established, and set there upon her own base.

King James Version. Public Domain

Commentary

The Sixth Vision: The Flying Scroll

Verses 1-2: The Flying Scroll
Zechariah looks up again and sees a flying scroll. It is twenty cubits long and ten cubits wide, making it a very large object. The dimensions indicate that the message it carries is of great significance.

Verse 3: The Curse Over the Land
The angel explains that this flying scroll is the curse that goes out over the whole land. The scroll contains a curse against thieves and perjurers. The size and the flying nature of the scroll symbolize the comprehensive and omnipresent reach of divine judgment.

Verse 4: Judgment on Sinners
God Himself sends out this curse. It will come upon the houses of thieves and those who swear falsely by God’s name. The curse will remain in their houses and consume them, along with their timber and stones. This symbolizes the complete and inevitable destruction that will come upon sinners who violate God’s commandments.

The Seventh Vision: The Woman in the Ephah

Verses 5-6: The Ephah and Its Meaning
The angel instructs Zechariah to look up and see what is coming out. Zechariah sees an ephah, a measuring basket for grain. The angel explains that this is the iniquity (literally “appearance” or “form”) of the people throughout the land.

Verse 7: The Woman in the Ephah
A heavy lead cover is lifted, and inside the ephah sits a woman. The angel identifies this woman as wickedness. The lead cover symbolizes the sealing and confinement of wickedness.

Verse 8: Wickedness Enclosed
The angel thrusts the woman back into the ephah and seals it with the heavy lead cover. This indicates that wickedness is being controlled and confined to prevent it from spreading further.

Verse 9: The Two Women with Wings
Zechariah sees two women with wings like those of a stork. The wind is in their wings, and they lift the ephah between heaven and earth. The women with stork wings symbolize swift and powerful movement, often associated with judgment.

Verses 10-11: The Ephah in the Land of Shinar
Zechariah asks where the women are taking the ephah. The angel replies that it is being taken to the land of Shinar, where a house will be built for it, and it will be set there on its base. Shinar, also known as Babylon, was a place of rebellion against God (cf. the Tower of Babel). This suggests that wickedness is being returned to its origin and finding its place there.

Summary
Zechariah Chapter 5 contains two visions, both addressing the theme of divine judgment and the removal of sin. The flying scroll symbolizes the curse and judgment upon thieves and perjurers, while the ephah with the enclosed woman represents the control and removal of wickedness. These visions emphasize that God actively opposes sin and injustice, and His judgment is comprehensive and inevitable. They encourage believers to walk in righteousness and avoid wickedness, as God will ultimately punish all sin and establish justice.

 

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages Chapter 47: Ministry

This chapter is based on Matthew 17:9-21; Mark 9:9-29; Luke 9:37-45.

Read online here

 

Commentary

Jesus had spent the whole night with his disciples on the mountain. As morning broke, they descended into the plain. The disciples were silently reverent, deeply impressed by the events of the night. The place where they had experienced the heavenly light and Jesus’ glory seemed holy to them. But down below, the people were waiting for them, longing for Jesus.

At the foot of the mountain, a crowd had gathered around the disciples who had stayed behind. No one knew where Jesus was. As he approached, he commanded the disciples to remain silent about what had happened until he had risen from the dead. They were to keep this revelation in their hearts to avoid the ridicule and contempt of the people. Even the other disciples were to learn of it later, as they could not yet understand the event.

When Jesus appeared, many ran joyfully to him, but he immediately noticed the embarrassment and unease in the crowd. His disciples were also downcast. During his absence, a father had brought his son, plagued by an evil spirit, to them, but the disciples had been unable to heal him. Although Jesus had given them power over unclean spirits, they had failed this time, which gave the scribes a reason to mock and portray them as frauds. The mood in the crowd turned against the disciples.

When Jesus appeared, the situation changed abruptly. His presence brought calm and reverence. He went directly to the possessed boy and asked what the people were arguing about. The boy’s father recounted his futile efforts to find help. Jesus, saddened by the unbelief, commanded that the boy be brought to him.

As the boy was brought before Jesus, the spirit threw him to the ground. At that moment, the Lord of life and the prince of darkness faced each other once again. Jesus allowed the evil spirit to show its power to make the subsequent deliverance all the more evident. The father, desperate over his son’s suffering, pleaded with Jesus for help and was reminded of his doubts. Jesus explained that everything is possible for one who believes. The father exclaimed, “I believe; help my unbelief!”

With a command, Jesus drove out the spirit. The boy, initially motionless, was grasped by Jesus and lifted up. He was completely healed, and father and son praised God. The crowd was amazed and reverent, while the scribes withdrew in shame.

Jesus’ power was not limited, and he demonstrated that faith makes all things possible. Faith connects us with heaven and gives us the strength to overcome the powers of darkness. The disciples had failed because their faith was weak. Their doubts and jealousies had left them unprepared. Jesus explained to them that this kind of spirit could only be driven out by prayer and fasting. They needed to strengthen their faith and place their trust in God.

The mustard seed, small and insignificant, holds the potential for great growth. So it is with faith. If we nurture and cultivate our faith, it will grow and fill us with heavenly power. Nothing will be impossible for the one who believes.

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages Chapter 48: Who Is the Greatest?

This chapter is based on Matthew 17:22-27; Matthew 18:1-20; Mark 9:30-50; Luke 9:46-48.

Read online here

 

Commentary

When Jesus returned to Capernaum, he did not visit the well-known places but withdrew with his disciples into a house. His goal was to instruct his disciples rather than minister to the masses.

During their journey through Galilee, Jesus had tried to prepare his disciples for the upcoming events. He spoke again of his death and resurrection and added that he would be betrayed. The disciples did not understand him and were more concerned with arguments about who would be the greatest in the coming kingdom. They tried to hide these discussions from Jesus.

After they reached Capernaum, the tax collector asked Peter if Jesus paid the temple tax. This tax was an annual payment for the upkeep of the temple. Eager to defend his master’s honor, Peter answered without consulting Jesus that he would pay the tax.

Jesus used this opportunity to teach Peter and the other disciples. He asked Peter whether the kings of the earth collected taxes from their own children or from strangers. Peter replied, “From strangers.” Jesus then explained that the children are exempt. This meant that as the Son of God, Jesus was not obligated to pay the temple tax. Nevertheless, he instructed Peter to obtain the amount through a miracle to avoid causing offense.

Shortly after their arrival in Capernaum, Jesus asked the disciples what they had been discussing on the way. In light of his presence and question, they remained silent, ashamed, as they had been arguing about their rank. Jesus explained to them that whoever wants to be the greatest must be the last and the servant of all.

To illustrate his teaching, Jesus placed a small child among them and said, “Unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” He emphasized the importance of simplicity, self-forgetfulness, and trusting love.

Jesus pointed out that true greatness does not lie in earthly dignity or display of power. In his kingdom, the rich, the poor, the learned, and the unlearned are united and dependent on him. He explained that a sincere and repentant heart is precious in God’s eyes.

An incident prompted John to ask Jesus if they had acted correctly when they forbade a man from casting out demons in Jesus’ name. Jesus replied that they should not have forbidden him, for no one who performs a miracle in his name can soon afterward speak evil of him. Jesus emphasized the importance of compassion and openness towards all who work in his name.

Jesus also spoke about the serious responsibility of not causing others to sin. He said it was better to mutilate oneself than to commit a sin that could lead to death. He emphasized that every believer has a responsibility towards the weak.

Jesus explained to the disciples the steps to take when a brother sins. They should first rebuke him privately, then with one or two witnesses, and finally involve the congregation if he does not listen. If the sinner refuses all these steps, he should be treated as a Gentile and a tax collector but still with compassion.

Jesus assured the disciples that their actions on earth would have heavenly consequences. He promised his presence and support wherever two or three gather in his name and agree in prayer.

Jesus’ teachings emphasize the importance of humility, compassion, and unity in faith. He showed the disciples that true greatness lies in serving others and in devotion to God’s will. His example and words should inspire them to represent his kingdom on earth through love and selfless service.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/17-07-2024-zechariah-chapter-5-believe-his-prophets/