Inside or Outside?

Mark 3:7-35

– Mark 3:7-35 sets up a contrast between two groups of people who are defined by their relationship and response to Jesus:  ‘Insiders’ and ‘Outsiders’

– This section begins with a summary (vv. 7-12) that shows ‘outsiders’ (ie. Gentiles from Tyre and Sidon) who are pressing into the Kingdom along with the ‘insiders’ (ie. Jews from Jerusalem) – Isaiah 2:1-5

I.  The ‘Insiders’ (vv. 13-19)

1)    The Twelve Apostles

1. Location of their Call
   • Jesus appoints them up on a ‘mountain’ – most likely the western hills of Galilee
   • Many significant events in God’s unfolding plan happen on ‘mountains’
     1. Giving of Law
     2. Transfiguration
     3. Crucifixion
     4. Second Coming of Christ
2. Significance of the Number ’12’
   • 12 Tribes à 12 Apostles  – cf. Matthew 19:28;  Revelation 21:12-14
   • A Reconstituted ‘Israel’ – cf. Galatians 6:16; 1 Peter 2:9; Revelation 1:6
     1. New Covenant Church is inclusive of believing Jews and Gentiles in one unified body – Ephesians 2:11-22
     2. Emphasis on Diversity – tax collectors, fishermen and zealots!
3. The Uniqueness of their Office
   • Language of creation (v. 14)
   • ‘Apostle’ vs. ‘apostle’

Application:  The diversity that characterized the original band of Apostles reflects the tremendous diversity within the Christian Church.   Although the office of ‘(A)postle’ was unique to the first century,  Christ still calls men and women to ‘be with Him’ and sends us out to be His (a)postles by proclaiming the good news of His salvation and by walking in the good deeds He has prepared for us!

II.  The ‘Outsiders’ (vv. 20-35)

1)    Jesus Blood Relatives

1. Jesus had at least 6 siblings – Mark 6:3
2. His closest blood relatives did not believe in Him at first (cf. John 7:1-5)
   • The siblings initially thought that Jesus was mentally unstable – v. 21
   • Mary was likely concerned for Jesus’ safety – her motive was right but her purpose was directly contrary to God’s plan
3. Jesus flips our expectations about who is ‘inside’ of His family and who is ‘outside’
   • His relatives are standing outside of the house – physically and spiritually (v. 31)
   • His disciples are on the inside (v. 34)
   • At least two of Jesus’ siblings were later brought into the true family of God by God’s grace!

2)    Scribes and Pharisees

1. Accuse Jesus of being demon possessed!
2. Next week:  The ‘Unforgiveable Sin’

Application:   There is no neutrality when it comes to the family of God – either you are ‘inside’ or you are ‘outside’.   This story reminds us that our relationship to Jesus Christ depends on His call and our response.   Where do you stand today with respect to Jesus Christ?