DRAFT ONLY

Introduction
      This passage falls within the opening section of the Gospel of Mark which parallels the commencement of Jesus' ministry with the beginning of the journey of the people Israel from Egypt to the promised land, Mark chapters 1-6. In the sub-section 3:7-35, Mark defines the true Israel, and it is within this theme that our passage appears.

The passage
      Jesus' true family are not those of his flesh and blood, nor his religious or national community, but "whoever does God's will".
      v20-21. Mark is the only gospel writer to record this rather sad incident. His family have concluded that "he has lost his mind". They feel he is psychologically deranged and this most likely because of his "eschatological" teaching, the sense of urgency (obsession) in his mission, and his failure to eat properly. As to who the "family" are, the word could even mean friends, but given the context, v31, it is obviously Jesus' immediate family. They were yet to understand Jesus' messiahship, although Mary must have understood to some degree.
      v22. As far as the Jewish authorities were concerned, Jesus hadn't lost his grip, he was demon possessed. It may well be that this was an official investigation of Jesus to determine whether he was a "magician" who had deluded the people of Capernaum. They make two charges against him: he was possessed by an unclean spirit and he cast out demons in partnership with the prince of demons. The name "Beelzebul" is only found in the New Testament and may well have been a term used personally by Jesus.
      v23-26. Jesus tackles the charge that he is working alongside Satan. This he does by the use of short parables. His logic is simple. If this charge is correct then Satan's kingdom is in turmoil, for he is assisting Jesus in the destruction of his own possessions. This is a stupid idea, particularly as there is no evidence that Satan's power is crumbling.
      v27. In this verse Jesus tackles the charge that he is demon possessed - controlled by Beelzebul. Satan's business is to enslave through sin, evidenced in sickness, possession and death. Yet this is exactly what Jesus is freeing people from. To achieve these ends requires Jesus overcoming Satan, defeating him. It is obvious that Jesus is possessed by some other power than Satan.
      v28-30. Jesus now comes back at his accusers. He opens with an interesting phrase which literally means "Amen" and which we know well as "truly, truly I say unto you". It is a phrase most likely equivalent to "As I live, saith the Lord", and is therefore to be taken as a prophetic word from the living God.
      His word is a word of warning. They are in danger of blasphemy (defiant hostility against God), and as they well know, such is unforgivable. Scribal tradition states, "The Holy One, blessed be he, pardons everything else, but on profanation of the Name he takes vengeance immediately." Much soul-searching often surrounds this passage, but the context defines clearly what "blasphemy against the Holy Spirit" is. To reject the kingdom of God in the person of Jesus and in his words and signs, is to reject God's free offer of salvation in Christ. Such rejection brings condemnation and eternal loss.
      v31-32. Mark moves from the unbelief of Israel, back to the unbelief of Jesus' own family. Jesus is again pressed in with the crowd and his family stands outside calling him out. The crowd, recognizing family obligations, give him the message.
      v33-35. Jesus then sets out to define a family bond which is far greater than that of flesh and which may well, at times, supersede the responsibilities of the natural family. Jesus' family is made up of those who do God's will. The "does" can lead to some confusion. What does God want us to do? We children of the reformation can only give but one answer, "to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ". God's will for humanity is that we give due recognition to the Son, and that we trust him only for our salvation. By this means do we enter into an authentic relationship with Christ which transcends the bond of flesh and blood.

Family matters
      "She 'aint heavy mister, she's my sister."
      We all know well the bond of family, friends, work, team and even that of national identity. Those circles give us meaning and direction. We know how it is when those circles begin to break down due to age. Yes indeed, we know the horror of loneliness.
      Yet Jesus reminds us of an authentic relationship which ultimately transcends all human association. It is a relationship with him and with those who relate to him. The kingdom of God pales all other associations.
      To share in Christ's family, his new community, requires one act of obedience to God - "the obedience of faith." When we put our trust in Jesus we enter his circle of friends, and that circle will be ours for eternity. To reject his offer of friendship is in a sense to "blaspheme" against God. To reject Christ is to never be forgiven.