Mark 3:13-4:34

What’s Happening?

Jesus is rejected both by the Pharisees and those closest to him.

We’re told Judas, one of the 12, will betray him (Mark 3:19). Jesus’ own family thinks he has gone insane (Mark 3:21). The religious authorities slander Jesus. Though they have seen his miracles and heard him preach, they don’t believe. Instead, they accuse Jesus of being empowered by demons (Mark 3:22).

Ironically, so far in Mark, it’s only the demons who correctly identify Jesus (Mark 1:24)!

But Jesus isn't in league with the devil; instead, he’s handcuffing Satan and plundering his house (Mark 3:27). Jesus accuses the Pharisees of blaspheming the Holy Spirit. Their consistent, persistent, and willful hatred of Jesus has led them to see the work of the Spirit and call it the work of Satan. The Pharisees have hardened their hearts to Jesus.

The ministry of Jesus has been marked by people who have opposed or misunderstood him. Jesus offers his disciples a series of parables to explain why this should be expected. Like the tiny mustard seed that gives no clue to how large it can grow. Jesus’ ministry, even though hidden and persecuted now, will soon produce an unimaginable harvest.

Where is the Gospel?

Jesus quotes the prophet Isaiah and says his parables intentionally hide his message from outsiders (Mark 4:12). But Jesus knows that this hiddenness will reveal him more clearly. The only time Mark shows someone fully recognizing him is at the cross, when a Roman centurion sees Jesus die and declares, “Truly this man was the Son of God” (Mark 15:39).

Like a mustard seed buried in the ground, Jesus’ death looks small and shameful, but it is the very moment that unleashes the Kingdom of God. Through his weakness, suffering, and rejection, Jesus was defeating Satan and planting the seed of new life.

Jesus says to his disciples, “You have been given the secret of the Kingdom of God” (Mark 4:11). While the Pharisees hardened their hearts, the disciples were gifted eyes to see that life comes through death.

This is good news for us as well. When we suffer misunderstanding, slander, or opposition, we can trust that God is working hidden life in us. The same Jesus who overcame Satan through apparent defeat will bring life out of our losses. As Paul says, those who share in Christ’s sufferings will also share in his glory (Romans 8:17). Anyone who confesses with the centurion, “This is the Son of God,” is freed from bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of God’s children (Romans 8:21).

See for Yourself

I pray that the Holy Spirit opens your eyes to see the God who is hidden. And may you see Jesus as the one who opens our eyes and softens our hearts to see him as our Savior.