Mark 3 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 3:20-30 – Accusations of Everlasting Sin

Mark 3:20-30 – Accusations of Everlasting Sin

|| Matthew 12:24-32;[1] Luke 11:15-23

MK3:20 And again the crowds gathered together so that there was not even the leisure time to eat. MK3:21 Now when his family[2] heard about it they all went out to restrain him.[3] For they said: “He is out of his mind!”[4] MK3:22 But, the Bible Copyists that came down from Jerusalem said: “He is possessed by Beelzebub!”[5] And also, “It is by the ruler of the demons he exorcises demons!” MK3:23 So Jesus called all of them to him and in parables he spoke to them: “How can Satan exorcise Satan? MK3:24 If his kingdom is disunited then his kingdom could never stand. MK3:25 Also, if a house is disunited against itself that house could never stand. MK3:26 And if Satan rebels against himself and is disunited he could never stand and that is the end of him. MK3:27 No person can force his way into a strong man’s house and plunder his property unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he could plunder his property. MK3:28 I tell you this truth: Every sin will be forgiven human beings. Even whatever abusive things they speak. MK3:29 However, the person who speaks abusively against the holy Pneuma[6] shall never be forgiven, but is guilty of ageless condemnation.” MK3:30 (Jesus said this because they had said: “He is possessed by an unclean demon!”)

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[1] Matthew 12:24-32: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew.

[2] Family: Or, friends, relatives. Likely including his mother, brothers and sisters, and others.

[3] To restrain him: Or, lay hold on him, seize him, take charge, take him into custody. They think he has gone out of his mind and needs other to save him from his course.

[4] He is out of his mind: Or, beside himself, lost his senses, mad, crazy. Though this is a strong accusation, the one that follows is considerably worse.

[5] He is possessed by Beelzebub: A name used of the Devil. The charge is one of demon-possession.

[6] Speaks abusively against the holy Pneuma: See notes on Matthew 12:32.

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Preceding

Matthew 12:31-32 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Blasphemy against the Pneuma

Mark 3 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 3:1-6 – A Withered Hand Cured on the Sabbath

Mark 3 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 3:7-12 – Crowds Follow Jesus

Mark 3 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 3:13-19 – Formation of Group of the Apostles

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Additional reading

1. Today’s thought “If anyone’s will is to do God’s will” (April 15)

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Related articles

1. Are You Out of Your Mind? (Mk 3:20-35)
   Jesus is Misunderstood- Worship Resources based on Mark 3.20-35

   The Spiritual Crisis of the Christ

2. In Relationship with Him
3. Will a constantly squabbling family disintegrate?
4. House Divided (Mark 3:20-35) Sunday School Lesson and Activities
5. Mark 3:24: “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.” + Mark 3:13-19 – Who were the twelve apostles?
6. Scriptural Meditation- Mark 3:24