What do we learn about Jesus from this passage? His popularity is growing because of all the miraculous healings. Do you ever wonder how word spread so fast? They didn’t have the internet in those days. Jesus continues to try to keep the demons quiet about his true identity, like a superhero not wanting to be discovered.
Jesus has also chosen twelve men to be his closest followers. We’re given only limited details here, but I’m sure these men were clueless at what an honor it was to be called by Jesus for this purpose. An “apostle” is someone specifically chosen by Jesus to be a messenger with a specific mission to share Jesus with the world.
These men are also referred to as “disciples” of Jesus. To clear up any confusion, while all apostles are disciples, not all disciples are apostles. Disciples are those who follow and learn from Jesus. We would be considered disciples of Jesus as we meet him in the pages of Scripture and learn from his teachings.
Take time today to reflect on the interchange that takes place between Jesus and the religious teachers. They are clearly troubled by the attention Jesus is getting. They even tried to say Jesus was possessed by Satan. Can you imagine? To make such a statement would be blasphemy as Jesus teaches.
When we claim Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we’re told that our sins are forgiven. Apparently, there is at least one unforgivable sin. Jesus speaks to this and identifies blasphemy against the Holy Spirit as that sin. The religious teachers had just attacked the healing power of the Holy Spirit by giving credit to Satan’s influence over Jesus. That is not a good thing.
Blasphemy, in general terms, is disrespecting God and his holiness. Some people say that taking the Lord’s name in vain, one of the Ten Commandments, is blasphemy. God wants to be honored, and insulting God by saying his miracles were an act of Satan was an eternal, unforgivable sin. The lesson for us is to always respect God with reverent awe, giving him the glory and praise He deserves. There’s no way to blaspheme when our hearts are focused on God’s majesty.
It appears Jesus’ own family was struggling to understand what was happening. With all the attention Jesus was getting, along with the emotional toll all the healings must have had, a family intervention seemed to be a good idea. Jesus’ response to their concern was a bit surprising, didn’t you think?
Again, Jesus was making a point. All the talk about mothers and brothers assures us we are all part of Jesus’ family, too. How does that make you feel? Galatians 4:7 says, “Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.” What an inheritance!
Let’s pray. Father God, you are mighty, powerful, and divine in every sense. It is such an honor and a privilege to be your own child. Help me to always treat you with the respect you deserve and not take you for granted. Help me to be a good disciple, learning all I can from your Word as I draw closer to you. I want to be more like Jesus every day. I stand ready for the mission you have for me today. Show me the way. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
