READ: Mark 3:20-30
Assuredly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they may utter; but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation”—because they said, “He has an unclean spirit.” – Mark 3:28-30.
The Lord Jesus has gained followers, including the twelve whom He sent out to spread His gospel (3:7-19). However, He has also immediately encountered a lot of opposition, mainly from the Pharisees and scribes, the leaders of the Jewish people. After a number of confrontations, growing hatred arises among them, especially due to His miracles, which attract large crowds of people to Him and are a thorn in their side. Their animosity leads them to make plans to kill Him (3:6). For this to happen, the people have to think differently about Him.
In the selected passage, we read of two reactions. First, that of the family of the Lord Jesus. They think that Jesus is out of His mind to go against the established order and play with the people. Such behavior could very well lead to His death! They have to dissuade Him from stirring up the people and provoking the leaders against Himself. The scribes, who see that Jesus is gaining more and more followers among the people, also try to stop Him: “He is casting out demons by the ruler of demons.”
Putting the conflict in these terms makes it even more critical that the people choose the right side. But Jesus points out sovereignly the illogicality of their reasoning: if Satan is divided against himself, he cannot stand. But worse, they are committing blasphemy by saying that the Holy Spirit who is in Him is an unclean spirit. Forgiveness is possible for all sins except this one: it falls under God’s judgment.
Why is there now hatred against the church of Christ?
Singing: Ps. 56:1