Mark 3:20-35 is two stories sandwiched together. Verses 20-21 introduce Jesus’ earthly family traveling to retrieve Jesus because they believe he has gone insane. Then, Mark talks about an interaction with scribes who came from Jerusalem to oppose Jesus. Verses 31-35 give us the rest of the story regarding Jesus’ family. By using this structure of one story sandwiched between the beginning and end of another, Mark sets these two groups side by side, showing two kinds of unbelief. Then, he shows us the characteristics of Jesus’ true family. In this passage, we see two types of unbelief common to mankind. His earthly family does not believe Jesus knows what He is doing and has come to "seize" Him. They certainly don’t oppose Jesus or seek to harm him, but they do not believe He knows what is best. They think He is out of His mind and are attempting to control Him for His own good. Today, many do the same, following only the parts of His word they deem acceptable and neglecting the commands that seem too outlandish. This is a well-meaning unbelief that assumes Jesus cannot adequately know what our specific situation requires, and, therefore, His word is malleable depending on what we think is best. However, well-meaning unbelief is still unbelief. The scribes, on the other hand, are not ignorant. They know the prophecies of the Messiah better than anyone on the planet. Yet, when they are faced with the undeniable miracles the Spirit accomplishes through Jesus, they attribute His word to Satan. Jesus warns them of what is often called the unpardonable sin. Sunday, we will examine this sin and how it is committed today. Finally, when Jesus’ family arrives, Jesus is told they wish to speak to Him. Jesus tells those who sit at His feet and listen to His word that His true family is "whoever does the will of God." (v.35). This passage presents us with the two groups who should have known more than any other who Jesus is. His family knew Him better than anyone. The scribes knew the scriptures better than anyone. Yet, both respond with dangerous unbelief, and Jesus says the mark of His true family is those who sit at His feet (come to Him in faith) and whose lives are characterized by living for the Lord.
I. Unbelief That Seeks To Control Jesus (v. 20-21)
II. Unbelief That Willfully Rebels Against Jesus (v. 22-30)
III. Faith that Characterizes Jesus’ True Family (v. 31-35)