Today's Scripture
The work of the Holy Spirit – Mark 3:20-30
TODAY’S READING SCHEDULE: Isaiah 9-10; Mark 3:20-35 (CEB)
20 Jesus entered a house. A crowd gathered again so that it was impossible for him and his followers even to eat. 21 When his family heard what was happening, they came to take control of him. They were saying, “He’s out of his mind!”
22 The legal experts came down from Jerusalem. Over and over they charged, “He’s possessed by Beelzebul. He throws out demons with the authority of the ruler of demons.”
23 When Jesus called them together he spoke to them in a parable: “How can Satan throw Satan out? 24 A kingdom involved in civil war will collapse. 25 And a house torn apart by divisions will collapse. 26 If Satan rebels against himself and is divided, then he can’t endure. He’s done for. 27 No one gets into the house of a strong person and steals anything without first tying up the strong person. Only then can the house be burglarized. 28 I assure you that human beings will be forgiven for everything, for all sins and insults of every kind. 29 But whoever insults the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven. That person is guilty of a sin with consequences that last forever.” 30 He said this because the legal experts were saying, “He’s possessed by an evil spirit.”
What does this passage mean to me/us
Normally, when I recall the story of Jesus’ family coming to meet him, I did not realize they came ‘to take control of him.’
What Jesus was doing could be considered radical. And I do understand the position of the family, thinking they need to intervene. Also, how Jesus defends the rumors started by the Pharisees still resounds in my ears.
But I want to focus on what Jesus said, “But whoever insults the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven. That person is guilty of a sin with consequences that last forever.” This is a scary proclamation. We seldom see Jesus having such strong positions.
It shows how important and active the Spirit works in this world, and also shows that we need to have the wisdom from God to discern the work of the Spirit.
The real question is when the Spirit is at work, am I united in that work or on the other side?
Our we on God’s side?
Prayer
Lord, may your work continue in this world. In your work, help us to see what our role is today. In Christ name, we pray, AMEN.
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