Mark 3:7-21 | Session 12 | Mark Rightly Divided

Mark 3:7-12 | Crowds Gather and Trouble Brews

Verse 7 -

It is unclear whether verses 5-7 depict a chronological sequence of events or if there was a time lapse. Did Jesus immediately leave the synagogue with the crowd following, or did this happen hours or days later? The text does not provide this information.

The only indication that this may have happened sometime later is the phrase "a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea." It is doubtful that this multitude was in the synagogue, although they could have been waiting for Him to exit.

It is notable that the crowd was not only from Galilee but also from Judea. This is a clear indication of Jesus' fame at the time.

Verse 8 -

Mark mentions various locations throughout the region, virtually stretching from north to south, east to west. This emphasizes the wide range of Jesus' influence. It is worth noting that Judaea, Jerusalem, and Idomaea are all in the Roman province of Judea. Thus, Mark likely wants to emphasize the pervasive nature of Jesus' fame and influence in this region.

The “great things he did” were clearly of such spectacular nature that people were willing to travel from all corners of the Jewish world to see this potential Messiah. So much so that “a great multitude” gathered to Jesus.

Verse 9 -

For logistic reasons, Jesus asks the disciples to get “a small ship” in which He can stand to talk to the crowd.

This displays Jesus as a man skilled at thinking quickly and creatively who must have had a force of personality, in addition to His miracle working power, to have command of such an audience and be able to operate among them in a crowded outdoor situation.

Verse 10 -

The healing work of Jesus was a major draw for the large crowds that followed him. In the first century world, there were few medical options, and Jesus had become the Great Physician. In verse 10, the word "μάστιξ" (mastix) is used to mean "plagues," indicating the most severe of illnesses. This word is used metaphorically, as its primary meaning is a scourge or whip.

Verses 11-12 -

Even "unclean spirits" were recognizing Him. Presumably, these spirits were possessing men and women and crying out through them, though the text does not specifically say so. While they would certainly recognize Him, why would He instruct them "not to make Him known?”

The declaration of Jesus as the Son of God was not new. In Mark 1:11 the voice from Heaven declared this truth. Previously, Nathanael had used the exact same words and was not chastised (John 1:49). So why is this message suddenly to be kept secret?

In the corresponding account in the Gospel of Matthew (12:16-21), we are told that this is a fulfillment of Isaiah 42:1-4. The key passage appears to be Isaiah 42:2, which says, "He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street." Jesus does not require a "proclamation team" because his actions speak for themselves. Note that in the Matthew account those instructed not to announce Jesus as the Son of God is broadened to all of those healed, not just the unclean spirits.

Mark 3:13-21 | Calling of 12 Apostles

Verse 13 -

In this verse, Jesus issues a simple, personal, and physical call that I refer to as a "New Testament call." There was nothing mystical about it; Jesus simply made His will known.

The call was made on a mountain. While in many parts of the world, going up to a mountain signifies going into privacy, in the area around the Sea of Galilee, the "mountains" were actually grassy hills, and the Greek word used allows for any kind of higher place to be pictured. We could even speculate that going to the mountain was meant to be a public, rather than private, affair. In fact, the 12 chosen seem to be immediately known as "the twelve" after this point.

Verse 14 -

Jesus "appointed the twelve." The term "appointed" is a straightforward and explanatory word, implying nothing more than "selected." It is translated from the Greek word ποιέω [poieo], which simply means "to make." Jesus formed a team of twelve individuals. It is worth noting that the number 12 is a number used for “complete order,” especially in governmental or physical matters. There are 12 months, two 12 hour segments of a day, 12 inches, and 12 is commonly used as a measure of quantity. In atomic science, there is a “close-packed structure” in which each atom is touching 12 others. Some even argue that a base-12 numeric structure would be far simpler to understand and compute than our base-10 structure.

There were four stated reasons (vv. 14-15) for the formation of this "group of 12." Firstly, "to be with him." This is actually quite remarkable when you consider it, and it strongly demonstrates Jesus's humanity. The human need for companionship, and all that it entails, should never be overlooked.

Secondly, he called them to send them out to preach. This contrasts with the previous instruction to the crowd, "that they should not make him known" (v. 12). Now, Jesus has twelve individuals who will "preach," using the Greek word κηρύσσω [karusso], which means "to herald/proclaim."

Verse 15 -

The third and fourth reasons for “the twelve” are more supernatural than the first two. They were given power to “heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils.” It is noteworthy that these two activities have been the primary focus of Mark’s Gospel to this point. Having set out to display Jesus as “the Son of God” (Mk. 1:1), Mark gave evidence by Jesus’ control of sickness and the demonic. Now the 12 will go forth with empowerment in these areas.

This is the first authorization of casting out demons that we have seen in the Biblical text.

Verses 16-19 -

This list of apostles is similar to others found in Matthew 10:2-4, Luke 6:13-16, and Acts 1:13. Each list begins with start with Peter and ends with Judas Iscariot. The order varies somewhat between the lists, but Peter, James, and John are generally named first, reflecting their prominence among the disciples. There are some variations between the lists of the apostles in different Gospels. For example, in Matthew and Luke, "Lebbaeus whose surname was Thaddaeus" replaces "Thaddaeus," and "Simon the Zealot" replaces "Simon the Canaanite.”

Judas’ betrayal is mentioned here, at his introduction, giving the reader knowledge that they should be suspicious of his actions and words.

The introduction of the 12 concludes with a narrative note, “they went into an house.” This connects the story with the next verse.

Verses 20-21 -

The crowds had almost gotten out of hand, “so that they could not so much as eat bread.” It is then that we are given the intriguing comment that his friends thought “He is beside Himself.” The Greek word ἐξίστημι (existami) is literally “out of standing,” from “ex” (out of) and “histami” (to stand).

The question is, “Who were these friends?” The Greek text simply says “those near Him.” The KJV gives a marginal reading of "kinsmen," and several translations, including the ESV and NIV, use the word “family.” Whether they were friends, family, or simply those in proximity, we cannot know. Whether meant for His good or His harm, we also cannot know. The use of the word “friends” would potentially indicate a positive spirit, while “family” may make the comment more negative, for at this time, His brothers had rejected Him.

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