Mark 3 - Introduction

Jesus Called His Apostles

Mark Three

In Mark three Jesus' conflicts with the Pharisees continued. He healed people and they felt that His actions violated all their rules. In this chapter we also have record of Jesus calling twelve apostles and giving them power to preach, heal and cast out demons. The fact that Jesus healed a crippled man on the Sabbath Day incited the Pharisees against Him even more. Jesus wanted it understood that you could do good on the Sabbath Day just like you can do good on any other day.

Large crowds followed Jesus as He moved about. By the sea they pressed upon Him. As the crowds gathered Jesus both healed people and preached. After this Jesus called aside into a mountain certain disciples that he named Apostles. He selected twelve apostles just like there had been twelve tribes in Israel. Even in spite of the criticism Jesus just kept preaching and healing and working. His popularity was growing tremendously.

Jesus' own family was deeply concerned about Him. It is amazing the simplicity with which the Bible disposes of religious error. Some teach the error of the perpetual virginity of Mary. God's word provides us with the names of several of Jesus' siblings. However here Jesus wanted to prove that His real family is those that are obedient to the will of God. Our fleshly relationships last only a few years. Those in God's family through obedience to the gospel have a relationship for eternity.