Mark Chapter 3 - February 25, 2008

3:5 - Jesus looked at them in anger, and deep distress. What was it that made Jesus anger non-sinful...when we know that he equates anger to sin in the Sermon on the Mount? Anger in itself is not always wrong...it is the motivation behind the anger. Jesus is angry because these "men of God" were living out hypocritical, uncaring lives. I also think it is really interesting that Jesus felt great distress for the men he was angry with. He was upset that their hearts had become so hard - he felt for them. When was the last time you felt sorry for a person you were angry with? Our anger usually results in a blinding white-hot anger that keeps us from seeing anything but how we have been wronged...Jesus is focused on how God has been wronged and how far these men have fallen from the life they have been called to live. Jesus also allows his anger to be used constructively - to heal a man's hand. Does your anger bring about healing or destruction?

3:6 - It is ironic and sadly funny that the Pharisees have accused Jesus of breaking the Sabbath by healing a man...and then they go out and break the Sabbath by plotting a murder. Sick, sad and laughable, all at the same time.

3:7-11 - We frequently see Jesus get away from the crowds and his disciples so that he can be alone with God and spiritually recharge. When I read this passage about Jesus speaking from a boat so that the crowds cannot crush in around him and touch him to receive healing...I wonder if Jesus human side had to limit the amount of healing and demon exorcism that he did to avoid spiritual exhaustion. I don't know, maybe because of his human limitations as God and man - there was a limit to the miraculous works he could do before he needed to go "re-fill": with God. Just a thought. But it is important for us to understand that we can easily become spiritually exhausted and burned out if we are not taking the time to get alone with God and drink in His presence.

3:20-22 - Jesus can't catch a break! His family thinks he has gone nuts and turned into a crazy cult leader because the people are crowding him so badly that he can't even eat. The Pharisees think he is possessed by Satan because he is doing incredible things that their distorted faith can't produce. Jesus is living out the example of what he says will come to us when we follow him - there will be problems. People will not understand you...others will think you are crazy...some people will hate you because you have something that they do not. When things are getting crazy and when you feel alone in your journey, remember that we serve a Savior that has been through it all. He is there for you - turn to him for strength.

3:27 - I love this verse...I know I talked about the same one from Matthew, but I still love it. Jesus charged into this world - tied up the strong man (Satan) and is robbing his house right now. Every person that puts there faith in Christ is another stolen possession from Satan! Being stolen goods has never felt so good!