WHAT REALLY MATTERS IN A DISAGREEMENT?
Have you ever been alienated or misunderstood by your family, close friends, and associates? Jesus had this same problem. In spite of this, He addressed what really matters.
“Welcome back! This is Part 3 of our 13-part series. We are studying the Book of Mark.
In this series, we are examining the writings and meanings in the Book of Mark.
Through the eyes of Mark, in this lesson, we learn what really matters in life.
Join us as we examine some of the moments in the Gospel of Mark, applying them to our lives today in practical and meaningful ways.
Together, we uncover the personal struggle and the theme of redemption that make this gospel a compelling transformative narrative for our day.
But, before we begin, as always, let’s invite God’s Presence.
Inviting God’s Presence.
Almighty God, show us what really matters in our relationship with you and others. Help us live our lives according to your divine will. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
The Book of Mark
(Lesson 3)
Controversies
Part 1 Introduction
We’re looking at the Gospel of Mark, exploring a theme that is as relevant today as it was centuries ago.
In seeking to answer the following question,” In controversies or disagreements, what really matters?” We look at how Jesus handled the controversies with the religious leaders of his day.
We’ll examine how Jesus’ teachings offer us practical wisdom for handling conflicts in our everyday lives.
Mark 2:1–3:6 contains five stories that highlight the differences between Jesus’ teachings and those of the religious leaders.
Each story follows a specific pattern, connecting to the previous one. Each successive story links to the one before using what is called a topical parallel, in which the final story wraps around and reconnects to the first one.
Each of these five stories helps us understand a specific aspect of who Jesus is and what really matters.
For instance, in Mark 2:10, 17, 20, and 28, we observe Jesus clarifying what really matters.
We’ll explore these stories in depth later in this video and discover the real meaning behind Jesus’ words.
We’ll also focus on Mark 3:20–35 in the later part of this video.
For example, what did Jesus mean when, in a controversy with some of the people around, he made the following statement in Mark 2:27 and 28.
“And He said to them, ‘The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. Therefore the Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath’ ” (Mark 2:27, 28, NKJV).
Mark uses a storytelling technique called the “Sandwich Story.” We will talk more about this later. He uses this method at least six times, emphasizing important lessons about Jesus, His mission, His role as Messiah, the nature of discipleship, and what really matters.
Thus, we’ll read some of Mark’s accounts about Jesus to learn what they teach us about Him and see what we can learn from how He responded to various encounters with friends, family, and associates.
As we reflect on these stories and Jesus’ teachings, let’s remember that in any conflict, what matters is that we apply His principles in our lives.
In Mark 2:1-12 a paralytic was brought to Jesus. Besides physical healing, he received what really mattered in his life. What did he receive? Read Mark 2:1-12.
Then Continue to Part 2: Healing a Paralytic
The Book of Mark
(Lesson 3)
Controversies
Part 2: Healing a Paralytic
The account of the paralytic not only demonstrates Jesus’ miraculous power to heal but also offers practical lessons for us today.
It shows what really matters when it comes to faith, forgiveness, and understanding God’s true intentions for us.
A Paralytic is someone who cannot move their arms or legs.
Because the paralyzed man couldn’t walk, his four friends carried him to the house where Jesus was staying.
Unable to get through the crowd, they tore open the roof and lowered their friend down to Jesus.
Mark 2:5 tells us that Jesus saw the faith of the four friends. How can we see faith? Just like we see love, we see faith through action.
The four friends showed their faith by being persistent in bringing their sick friend to Jesus.
Though the paralyzed man’s obvious need was physical, we find that the first thing Jesus did for him was forgive his sins. This is what really mattered.
The man himself remained silent during the entire scenario.
The religious leaders, however, believing that only God could forgive sin, were silently outraged by Jesus’ claim to forgive sins.
They saw His words as blasphemous. They felt that Jesus was slandering God and taking on the rights that belonged only to Him.
Jesus knew their doubts and evil thoughts. Jesus meets these objectors on their own ground by using a typical rabbinic style of argumentation called the “lesser to greater.”
Jesus says in Mark 2:9-10
9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise, take up your bed and walk’?
10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the paralytic, (Mark 2:9-10)
Thus, in Mark 2:11Jesus says:
11 “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” (Mark 2:11) (Split)
To say that a person’s sins are forgiven is one thing; To make a paralyzed man walk is another.
If Jesus can cause the man to walk by the power of God, then certainly His claim to forgive sins is confirmed.
So Mark in Mark 2:12 tells us that
12 Immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went out in the presence of them all, so that all were amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!” (Mark 2:12)
Micah 6:6–8 explains what is happening between Jesus and the leaders and what really matters.
6 With what shall I come before the Lord, And bow myself before the High God? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, With calves a year old?
7 Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, Ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, The fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:6–8)
The Jewish leaders had the wrong ideas about God. These religious leaders lost sight of what really mattered: justice, mercy, and walking humbly before God.
They were so obsessed with defending their idea of God that they could not see the hand of God working right before their eyes.
Thus, they missed the lesson the miracle taught about Jesus. Jesus provided more than enough proof that He was from God. He not only told them that He could read their minds, but He also healed the paralyzed man in their presence in such a way that they could not deny.
These leaders cared more about their rules than about God. They fail to realize what really matters.
True faith and understanding of God’s will are shown through our actions and our willingness to prioritize compassion over rigid rules.
In healing the paralytic, Jesus demonstrated that forgiveness and healing are intertwined. James 1:27 adds that
27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. (James 1:27)
In Mark 2:13-22 Jesus is challenged on his choice of followers and on the issue of fasting. Read Mark 2:13-22 to find out what really matters.
Then View the next segment of this video, Part 3: Calling Levi and the Question of Fasting
The Book of Mark
(Lesson 3)
Controversies
Part 3: Calling Levi and the Question of Fasting
Now, we explore the story of Levi, a tax collector called by Jesus to become His follower or disciple. This story not only sheds light on the radical nature of Jesus’ ministry but also offers practical lessons on what really matters when it comes to inclusion, transformation, and understanding Jesus’ mission.
Who was Levi and why would there be an objection to him becoming one of Jesus’ disciples?
Levi was a Tax collector. In Jesus’ day, tax collectors were civil servants who worked under the local or Roman government.
The Jews in Judea didn’t care for tax collectors because they were often unfair, they took more money than was required and became rich off their own countrymen. Therefore, they were unpopular among the Jewish population in Judea.
Commentary on religious law, the Mishnah tractate Tohoroth says, “If taxgatherers entered a house [all that is within it] becomes unclean.”
So, it comes as no surprise that the scribes, a sect of Jewish leaders, would be upset when Jesus asked Levi, a tax collector, to become His disciples.
What was more appalling to them was that Jesus also ate with the tax collectors and sinners.
Mark 13:16
16 And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, “How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?” (Mark 13:16)
Interestingly, Jesus does not reject their question. Instead, he turns it around and answers them. Mark 3: 17
17 When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” (Mark 3: 17)
Hence, it is said that Jesus claims the nickname spiritual doctor, the One who has the power to heal the sin-sick soul.
It, therefore, makes sense that as the doctor of the sin-sick soul, what really matters is that He goes where the sick are.
Mark 2:18–22 starts a new account. In the previous story, the religious leader questioned Jesus about who he was eating with.
They felt it was not appropriate for him to be eating with the sinners and tax collectors at Levi’s home.
Now, the Jewish or religious leaders question Jesus about fasting, a practice where one abstains from food for a short period.
The Jewish leaders wanted to know why Jesus’ followers didn’t fast when John the Baptist’s followers and the Pharisees’ followers did.
Jesus responds using an illustration or parable. He compares His presence with His followers to a wedding feast.
How can you have a wedding feast if all the guests at the wedding were fasting? Guests don’t fast at a wedding; they celebrate.
But Jesus indicates that a time would come when the bridegroom (Himself) will be taken away (referring to His death on the Cross). Then, His followers would have plenty of time for fasting.
So what really mattered here was that Jesus, the bridegroom, was present. Thus, there was no need for fasting.
Jesus then used two illustrations to contrast His teachings with those of the religious leaders: He compared His teachings to new cloth and new wine.
You don’t sew new unshrunk cloth on an old garment or put new wine into old wineskin bags, as both would ruin.
These illustrations contrast the ways of Jesus, the Master Teacher, to the corrupt ways of the Jewish teachers, demonstrating that what matters is that true religion must be kept pure and remain true.
If not careful, even true religion can be harmful and turned into darkness when selfish motives are involved.
Jesus in Mark 2:13-22 shows us that no one is beyond redemption, and what really matters is true faith. True faith involves breaking barriers and healing hearts. (Split)
In Mark 2:23-24 the Pharisees accuse the disciples of breaking the Sabbath. But when it comes to the Sabbath, what really matters?
Continue to the next segment of this video, Part 4: The Lord of the Sabbath
The Book of Mark
(Lesson 3)
Controversies
Part 4: The Lord of the Sabbath
The Gospel of Mark reveals what really matters when it comes to keeping the Sabbath. In Mark, Jesus challenges rigid interpretations of the Sabbath and reveals its true purpose.
In Mark 2:23-24, the Jewish leaders accuse Jesus’ followers of breaking the Sabbath.
23 Now it happened that He went through the grainfields on the Sabbath; and as they went His disciples began to pluck the heads of grain.
24 And the Pharisees said to Him, “Look, why do they do what is not lawful on the Sabbath?” (Mark 2:23-24)
The Jews had many rules about work, including a list of 39 things forbidden on the Sabbath. In the mind of the Pharisees, one of those things forbidden included what Jesus’ disciples had done.
Mark 2:25-28 tells us that Jesus responded by saying:
25 … “Have you never read what David did when he was in need and hungry, he and those with him:
26 how he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the showbread, which is not lawful to eat except for the priests, and also gave some to those who were with him?”
27 And He said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.
28 Therefore the Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath.”
Jesus countered by telling the story of David, found in 1 Samuel 21:1-6, in which he went into God’s house and ate the sacred bread that only priests were allowed to eat. This holy bread was removed only on the Sabbath. Therefore, David’s journey was most likely an emergency escape on the Sabbath.
Jesus points out that if God allowed David to eat the holy shewbread, then His disciples are also justified in plucking and eating grain while walking through the fields.
To illustrate what really matters, Jesus further indicated that God made the Sabbath for the benefit of humanity and not the other way away around.
Then, He the Son of Man, declares Himself the Lord even of the Sabbath, a claim he had more than a right to make.
Mark 3:1-6 further illustrates Jesus’ teaching that God made the Sabbath as a blessing for humanity.
1 And He entered the synagogue again, and a man was there who had a withered hand.
2 So they watched Him closely, whether He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him.
3 And He said to the man who had the withered hand, “Step forward.”
4 Then He said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they kept silent.
5 And when He had looked around at them with anger, being grieved by the hardness of their hearts, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored as whole as the other.
6 Then the Pharisees went out and immediately plotted with the Herodians against Him, how they might destroy Him. (Mark 3:1-6)
In this story, Jesus again faces conflict with the religious leaders over the Sabbath.
Of course, they were not disputing the Sabbath itself but debating how it should be observed.
They were ready to accuse Jesus of breaking the Sabbath if He should heal on the Sabbath.
Not shying away from confronting them, to show what really matters, Jesus asks them a question contrasting the importance of doing good as opposed to doing harm, saving a life, as opposed to killing.
The answer to His question shows what really matters: Acts of mercy and compassion are in harmony with the Sabbath’s purpose.
Thus, Jesus proceeds to heal the man. This angers the religious leaders, and they immediately begin to make plans to destroy Him.
The funny thing is that the same leaders who accused Jesus of breaking the Sabbath were themselves breaking it by plotting His death on that day.
The Sabbath is meant to be a blessing and a time for doing good. Jesus showed that the Sabbath should not be burdened with restrictive rules but should be a day to show love, mercy, and compassion.
Have you ever heard someone tell a story, then interrupt it to tell another, and finish the other story afterward? It’s called a “sandwich story.”
Mark uses the approach. Observe how he uses it. Read Mark 3:20-35.
Then Continue to the next segment of this video: Part 5: Sandwich Story: Part 1
The Book of Mark
(Lesson 3)
Controversies
Part 5: Sandwich Story Part 1
Mark 3:20-35 is the first “sandwich story” in Mark.” A “sandwich story” is a unique way of telling a story in which one story is introduced and then interrupted by a second.
The first story is completed only after the second is finished.
In Mark 3:25-35 The first story, the outer story, is about Jesus’ family attempting to take charge and remove him because they think he has lost his mind in Mark 3:21
21 But when His own people heard about this, they went out to lay hold of Him, for they said, “He is out of His mind.” (Mark 3:21).
The middle story involves the scribes from Jerusalem charging Jesus with being possessed by Satan and working with the devil to cast out demons.
We first talk about the inner story found in Mark 3:22-30
In Mark 3:22, the scribes maintain that Jesus’ healing power comes from the devil.
22 And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, “He has Beelzebub,” and, “By the ruler of the demons He casts out demons.” (Mark 3:22).
Jesus responds with a question, Mark 3:23
“How can Satan cast out Satan?” (Mark 3:23).
It makes no sense. Why would Satan work against himself?
Then, Jesus moves to talk about division within a kingdom and Satan himself, showing how ridiculous such division would be for their success.
Mark 3:24-26
24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.
25 And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.
26 And if Satan has risen up against himself, and is divided, he cannot stand, but has an end. (Mark 3:24-26)
He shows just how ridiculous such division would be for Satan’s success.
Then Jesus turns the table and talks about tying up a strong man to rob his house.
Mark 3:27
No one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. And then he will plunder his house. (Mark 3:27)
This last example represents Jesus as the thief entering Satan’s house, tying up the prince of darkness to set his captives free.
The one sin that God cannot forgive is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. This is an unpardonable sin. This sin involves attributing the work of the Holy Spirit to the devil. Mark 3:28-29
28 “Assuredly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they may utter;
29 but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation”— (Mark 3:28-29)
Mark 3:30 lets us know that Jesus addresses the unpardonable sin because the religious leaders had said, “He has an unclean spirit.” (Mark 3:30)
when, in fact, He is filled with the Holy Spirit.
By calling the work of the Holy Spirit the work of the devil. A person closes themselves off from the influence of the Holy Spirit and rejects God’s grace.
Therefore, What really matters is that our hearts remain open to the influence of the Holy Spirit.
Certainly, no one in their right mind wants to be led by the devil. (Split)
The fact that you are watching this video indicates that you are open to the influence of the Holy Spirit and have not committed the “unpardonable sin.”
Now that we have covered the middle story, we look at the outer story, Jesus’ family’s intent to take custody of Him because they believe he has lost his mind.
In terms of family, discover who Jesus says really matters. Read Mark 3:31-35, Then
Continue to the next segment of this video, Part 6: Sandwich Story Part 2
The Book of Mark
(Lesson 3)
Controversies
Part 6: Sandwich Story Part 2
In Mark 3, Jesus redefines what truly matters in our relationships with God.
As Jesus’ ministry expanded and his popularity grew among the people, Mark 3:20-21 indicates that Jesus’ family concludes that He has lost his mind.
20 Then the multitude came together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread.
21 But when His own people heard about this, they went out to lay hold of Him, for they said, “He is out of His mind.” (Mark 3:20-21)
A charge of mental incompetence is a serious matter. Often, a person is deemed mentally ill when it becomes evident that a person is a threat to their own safety or the safety of others.
Jesus’ family felt that He was not mentally competent because He was so busy with His ministry that He did not take time to stop to eat.
They went out to take charge of Him, thinking He was out of his mind.
The outer story, however, is interrupted at this point, and the inner story about the Jewish leaders accusing Jesus of working with the devil begins.
A strange parallel exists between the outer and inner stories of this sandwich story.
Like the scribes or Jewish leaders of that day, Jesus’ own family believes the worst about Him. His family says He is crazy, and the scribes say He is working with the devil.
So, what does Jesus’ family want, and how does He respond? Mark 3:31-35 tells us that
Jesus’ family wanted to take charge of Him, possibly to protect Him or bring Him back to what they thought was sensible behavior.
You would think that if your mother or siblings came to see you, you would go out to meet with them.
Though Jesus’s response might seem strange, He responded by giving a new definition of family. He says, in Mark 3:35
35 For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother” (Mark 3:35) (Split)
The problem was that Jesus’ family didn’t understand God’s plan for His life. His family at the time were not in tune with the will of God for Him. Jesus recognized that, and in this passage, He redefines family.
So, what really matters is what family does. Thus, Jesus declares that family is those who do the will of His Father.
In other words, Jesus is the Son of God, and those who align themselves with God’s will are His family.
The two stories in this sandwich story reveal an important truth. In the inner story, Jesus says that a house divided against itself cannot stand.
At first glance, it may seem like Jesus’ own family is divided against itself.
But Jesus clarifies that, revealing that His real family consists of those who do the will of God along with Him.
Read Luke 12:53 and Luke 14:26 to see how Jesus prioritizes family in relation to God.
No one should take priority over God and what He has ordained us to do for Him.
Throughout history, followers of Christ have often faced disagreements with their relatives and have been alienated from them.
Mark 3:31-35 helps us understand that Jesus experienced similar issues with His own family. Therefore, He knows how it feels to be misunderstood by loved ones, and He offers comfort and compassion to those who feel this painful isolation.
The point is that true family goes beyond blood relations. It’s about those who share your commitment to God’s will. Jesus redefines family in a way that includes all who follow Him.
Stay inspired, stay motivated, and continue to seek out God’s Word. It has a daily transforming power. Understanding and living it is what really matters. Until next time, stay blessed!
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