Tag: Mark 3
Eternal sin?
Scripture reading for February 12: Mark 3
“And the Scribes who came down from Jerusalem were saying, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “By the prince of demons He casts out the demons.” And He called them to Him and said to them in parables, “How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.”. . .”Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the children of man, and whatever blasphemies they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”–for they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.”” Mark 3:22-25, 28-30
As Jesus was preaching repentance and casting out demons, the Scribes, because of jealousy, labeled Jesus as working miracles and deliverance by Beelzebul, the prince of demons. It is amazing that Jesus called these religious leaders to Himself and tried to help them with a question and a parable that contained the answer and a startling truth about eternal sin. He asked them, “How can Satan cast out Satan?” He went on to state that a house divided against itself would not stand. God was in the business of forgiving sin and blasphemy in lost mankind, but there was a blasphemy of the Holy Spirit that would never find grace.
Thankfully, we serve a God of mercy Who has offered forgiveness of sins to all men and women who will repent and believe in Jesus Christ, His Son. But if individuals persist in resisting the Holy Spirit and Truth of Jesus Christ by blasphemy, no grace could or would be offered. Blasphemy is to attribute the work of the Holy Spirit to Satan and refuse to repent. Jesus personally called to Himself those blaspheming Him, and warned them. This is an eternal sin, never to be forgiven. It is only through the work of the Holy Spirit that forgiveness is possible. (John 16:8-11) Jesus wants none to perish. The Holy Spirit gently calls.
Have you ever wondered if you have committed this ‘eternal sin?` How is your heart attitude towards Jesus Christ, healing, and forgiveness of sins? Have you or are you currently resisting the work of the Holy Spirit drawing you to Jesus for forgiveness?
Prayer: Father God, Thank You for Your amazing patience and love in sending Your Holy Spirit to bring conviction of sin, righteousness and judgment. Use me to share the Good News of Your love and gift of the Holy Spirit through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. May no one be guilty of eternal sin! Amen.
“Called To be with Him”
Scripture reading for February 12th: Mark 3
Key Scriptures: Mark 3:13-15 “Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to Him those He wanted, and they came to Him. He appointed twelve–designating them apostles–that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.”
Jesus personally called the twelve and designated them as ‘apostles’. He chose working men from various backgrounds and called them to follow Him and to be with Him. Working men would be trustworthy to do the work Jesus was calling them to. We really get to know someone’s heart, values and temperament when we live with them. For these disciples to be what Jesus wanted them to be and accomplish the work of ministry, the first requirement was spending time with Jesus.
Jesus then gave them authority to preach and drive out demons. They learned about this authority by watching Jesus use His authority to preach and drive out demons. As they walked together throughout the land, Jesus continually preached to crowds and ministered healing and deliverance. Watching with the understanding that they would soon be doing ministry like Jesus made learning come quicker!
Observation for over-comers: As disciples, our first calling is to be with our Lord, allowing His presence to fill our hearts. The Holy Spirit is our continual guide! “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4)
An Angry Jesus!
Scripture reading for February 12th: Mark 3
We all like to think of Jesus as meek and mild, what a wonderful child! But Jesus had another side and Mark wrote about it. “Another time He went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched Him closely to see if He would heal him on the Sabbath. Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Stand up in front of everyone.” Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent.”
Jesus knew that there were those in the Sabbath meeting that were looking to accuse Him. It appears that He deliberately chose to confront them with the heart of God’s law and commands. Their response was silence. They refused to enter the dialogue because their minds were already made up concerning Jesus’ authority. “He (Jesus) looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.”
Jesus was angry because of the stubbornness of these men who should have known God’s heart to heal and restore hurting people. He demonstrated to them God’s heart and ability by restoring the man’s shriveled hand completely! Their response to this awesome miracle was seething anger at Jesus having violated their religious rule concerning the Sabbath! They even went so far as to plot Jesus’ death! Let’s make sure that we are not a cause of anger and distress in our Lord!