Mark Series Part 15, Mad, Bad or God? Mark 3:20-30,

 

In what is often a difficult passage to interpret, Jesus is accused by his family and the religious elite of being deranged and misguided, under demonic influence. The level of conflict and controversy surrounding Jesus as we progress through Mark’s Gospel increases dramatically this week, as the first readers of these words will have found some resonance in all they read as they faced their own persecution under Nero in Rome. This week’s passage is a complex one and Sean Stillman, God's Squad's International President, brings a slightly extended reflection to make sure the controversial and sometimes damaging topic of the ‘unforgivable sin’ is addressed which comes up in this week’s reading. Ultimately this is a story of ‘breaking and entering’, where Jesus not only challenges and binds dark demonic spiritual forces, but challenges and plunders their influence manifested in earthly powers and authorities, that seek to dehumanise, and exclude people from all that God created them to be. ————————————————————— You can read the relevant bible passage, Mark 3:20-30 online at: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/... You can also subscribe to this series playlist on YouTube here:    • Marks Gospel Series   and also find 150+ additional bible reflections and stories, from various God’s Squad members around the world. _________________________________________ This presentation, and many of the previous and following ones in this series that Sean will present, includes references, quotes and research from the following sources; Meeting God in Mark, Rowan Williams, 2014. Binding the Strong Man, Ched Myers, 1998, (2008 edition) Mark, Paideia Commentary on the New Testament, Mary Ann Beavis, 2011. The Gospel of Mark, The New International Commentary on the New Testament, William L. Lane, 1974. The Gospel According to St. Mark, Black’s New Testament Commentaries, Morna D. Hooker, 1981, (2003 edition) Life on the Road, Athol Gill, 1992. Mark, New International Biblical Commentary, Larry W. Hurtado, 1983, (1998 edition). Mark, Tyndale New Testament Commentary, R. Alan Cole, 1961, (1989 edition)