GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF MARK
The FAMILY OF JESUS: Mk 3,20-35
Read the passage and see how it falls into three parts shown by the similarity between the first and the third part. How does the middle fit in between them?
(It may help to have a quick look at 5,21-43 at this point because the evangelist has done something similar there.)
Then have a look at my response to see this arrangement of the passage.
Jesus and his natural family: 3,20-21
In what way does verse 20 set the scene for what follows? See 1,32-34.
Where might home be? See 6,1 and 1,29.
The opening comments about Jesus' family might be quite startling at first glance. Try to look at a few translations and reflect upon what is being said. Can you spot a link with what is to follow, especially in verse 31?
Then have a another look at my response.
Jesus and the demon family: 3,22-30
Begin by noting the similarity between verses 22 and 30, acting as a frame around the scene. Then we can note how Jesus' response falls into two parts, indicated by the opening word of the sentence.
What is important about the scribes in verse 22? (See Mt 12,24). Going back to 2,24 and 3,2, why might they be accusing Jesus by attributing his power to Beelzebul or Satan? What is implied by their accusation? Note that it comes as two statements.
For Beelzebul in verse 22, see 2 Kings 1,2. The identity of the prince of demons comes in Jesus' reply.
In verse 23, Jesus speaks in parables. We will see the implications of speaking in parables in the next chapter, 4,11. See also verse 31.
We now note that verses 24 25 and 26 each begin "And if...". Note how verses 24 and 25 are parallel statements, so typical of Hebrew poetry. Psalm 118 is a good example. Yet the parallel of "kingdom" and "house" also suggests 2 Sam 7,16.
What therefore is the message of verse 26, Jesus' conclusion?
Who is the strong man of verse 27? See 1,7 and 1,12. See also Is 49,24-25.
We have seen the solemn opening of verse 28. Note where Jesus places the emphasis (See Ps 41,14).
How is verse 30 the key to understanding verse 29? See 1,15 for a clue. What is Jesus saying then in verse 28?
Then have a another look at my response.
Jesus and his true family: 3,31-35
Where are Jesus' family in verse 31?
Who are the insiders, around Jesus in verse 32 (and see 3,20). How does this contrast with verses 20 and 21?
What is typical of Jesus in verse 33? What more does he then require in verses 33-35? Again, see this in light of 1,14-15.
It's now time to look again at my response.
The Sunday Gospel
The whole of this passage (3,20-35) is the Gospel for the 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time. The summary in italics at the top of the reading is curious: It is the end of Satan.
The choice of the Garden of Eden (Gen 3,9-15) for the OT reading also seems curious. Perhaps there is a clue to the editorial thinking in the italic heading. Look too at the psalm, Ps 129, well known as the "De Profundis".
How does this presentation of the reading fit with what we have just read?
Look now at my response.
We are now ready to begin our reading of chapter 4.