Articles
Reactions To Jesus - Mark 3
Reactions To Jesus - Mark 3
Jesus, the son of God. He came preaching the gospel of the kingdom. He confirms his word as the very message of God by miracles, signs, and wonders, even casting out demons with just a word. Everyone trusts him, honors him, and obeys him -- well, you would think that would happen. It didn’t. People respond in somewhat unexpected ways.
While it is true that many, realizing that He WAS miraculously healing people, thronged to be in his presence (3:8-10, 20), many others took offense at him. His own family treats him as if he is crazy and lost his senses (3:21). The scribes declare he himself is demon possessed and in league with the devil (3:22). The Pharisees conspire against him with their political adversaries, the Herodians, desiring to destroy him (3:6).
Out of this, we also see the reactions of the demons, a voice from the ‘spirit world’. They recognize him NOT just as the human Jesus, but as the Son of God. While they ‘believe and tremble’ in his presence (cp. James 2:19), they also recognize his authority and obey him.
Such reactions continue today. Many claim to follow him, hoping only to receive temporal blessings (health, possessions, ease, etc.), yet balk at His commands. Many, upon reading his spiritual demands walk away thinking that is just ‘crazy talk’. In spite of the testimony of those who were there and saw these things, many just deny the whole story: no miracles, no demons, no disciples, even ‘no Jesus’.
Then there are those who are convinced and trust Him with their very existence. The obey his commands. They openly declare Him to be the son of God. They acknowledge His power and authority and become His disciples in an ungodly world. The real question in all of this: what is YOUR response to Jesus? Hugh DeLong
