Mark, 3
22. The scribes who had come down from Jerusalem were saying, 'Beelzebul is in him,' and, 'It is through the prince of devils that he drives devils out.'
22. The scribes who had come down from Jerusalem were saying, 'Beelzebul is in him,' and, 'It is through the prince of devils that he drives devils out.'
St. Mark 3 reports the growing opposition of the Pharisees against Jesus and their teachings, including the healing of a man with a withered hand on Saturday. In addition, Jesus chooses the twelve apostles and teaches the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Below are five selected verses from other Bible books that are related to the topics covered in St. Mark 3.
Matthew 12:30: "He who is not with me is against me; and whoever does not gather with me, spread." This verse talks about the need to choose one side in the relationship with Jesus and his message. He shows the clarity of the division between those who follow Jesus and those who oppose Him, including the Pharisees who opposed Him in St. Mark 3.
Exodus 31:14: "Thus shall you guard the Sabbath, for you are holy to you, he who will certainly profane him shall be killed; for anyone who does some work in Him will be eliminated from the midst of his people." This verse talks about the importance of the Sabbath as a holy day for the Jews and the punishment for those who profane it. He shows the tension between Jesus and the Pharisees regarding the interpretation and observance of the Sabbath Law.
Isaiah 42:1-3: "Here is my servant, whom I hold, my chosen, whom my soul is bought; , neither will hear his voice in the square. He will not crush the broken sugarcane, nor erase the smoke -to -smoke fans; he will actually promulgate the right. " This verse refers to the servant of God that would be sent to announce justice to the Gentiles, who is identified by Christians as Jesus. He shows the divine choice of Jesus as his servant and the sending of the Holy Spirit upon Him, which is discussed in St. Mark 3.
Matthew 12:32: "Anyone who speaks against the Son of man shall be forgiven to him, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit shall not be forgiven to him, either in this world or in the future." This verse talks about blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which Jesus teaches in St. Mark 3. He shows the gravity of this sin and the importance of recognizing and honoring the Holy Spirit.
Isaiah 11:2: "The Spirit of the Lord, the Spirit of Wisdom and understanding, will rest upon Him, the Spirit of Council and Fortress, the Spirit of Knowledge and Fear of the Lord." This verse talks about the Spirit of God that would rest upon the Messiah, which is identified by Christians as Jesus. He shows the presence and importance of the Holy Spirit in the ministry of Jesus and in the teachings about blasphemy against him in St. Mark 3.
“Diante de Deus ajoelhe-se sempre.” São Padre Pio de Pietrelcina
