사귐의 소리 2025

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Mark 3:20-30 “What Is Normal?”

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5–8 minutes

Suggested Praise Songs:

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

Explanation:

As news about Jesus spread, so did rumors and accusations against him. One of the most prominent claims was that Jesus was out of his mind. Indeed, anyone who closely observed his words and actions might have wondered, “Is this man in his right mind to speak and act this way?” Those who believed he was in his right mind had to acknowledge him as the Messiah. However, those who rejected that idea concluded that he must be out of his mind. This rumor even reached his family in Nazareth. While Jesus and his followers stayed in Capernaum, his mother and siblings went to find him (verses 20-21). The verb “krateo” used in “to take charge of him” can also mean “to arrest or seize.” This indicates that his family intended to restrain him, likely out of concern for his well-being or to address the growing controversy surrounding him.

Around that time, Jewish authorities in Jerusalem sent some teachers of the law to investigate the rumors about Jesus. He had been identified as a dangerous figure who threatened their belief. The term “Beelzebul” (verse 22) originally referred to one of the gods worshiped by the Canaanites. By Jesus’ time, the Jewish people used it as a nickname for Satan. The teachers of the law concluded that Jesus was casting out demons by the power of Satan. In this context, “demons” referred to the “evil spirits” under Satan’s authority. Their accusation reflected their inability or unwillingness to recognize the divine power behind Jesus’ works.

Knowing their accusations, Jesus asked, “How can Satan drive out Satan?” (verse 23) and used a parable to explain. He pointed out that just as a nation embroiled in civil war will collapse (verse 24), and a household divided by conflict cannot stand (verse 25) if Satan’s kingdom were divided against itself, it would self-destruct (verse 26). Jesus then clarified that his ability to cast out demons was not through Satan’s power but because he had bound Satan (verse 27). In this parable, the “strong man” represents Satan, the leader of evil spirits, and “plundering his house” refers to Jesus casting out demons and freeing those under their influence.

Jesus then taught on sin and forgiveness. In verse 28, the phrase “will be forgiven” is better understood as “can be forgiven.” Sin does not simply disappear; forgiveness requires a meeting of genuine repentance and God’s grace. When there is true repentance, there is no sin too great for God to forgive. However, “whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit” (verse 29) cannot be forgiven. This grave warning emphasizes the seriousness of rejecting the work of the Holy Spirit.

In connection with the preceding events, this refers to attributing the work of the Holy Spirit to Satan (verse 30). The New Revised Korean Translation renders this as “anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven,” but a more accurate translation would be “anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven.” Jesus emphasizes the severity of this sin by redundantly using the words “eternal” and “forever,” highlighting its gravity and eternal consequences.

Meditation:

Truth often transcends common sense. Spirituality frequently surpasses the boundaries of everyday life. The order of earthly kingdoms often fails to grasp the reality of God’s kingdom. For those who open their eyes to God’s kingdom and seek to live a spiritual life following the truth, they are sometimes perceived as irrational or even crazy by the world. While some may fall into fanaticism due to excessive religiosity, those who genuinely believe and live out their faith may occasionally—or even often—be seen as abnormal or eccentric. However, from the perspective of God’s kingdom, this is what it means to live normally and in one’s right mind. It is the world that has become distorted and abnormal due to the effects of sin on human affairs and society.

By the standards of worldly customs and common sense, Jesus often spoke and acted in ways that seemed abnormal, strange, or even insane. This was because the world could neither see nor believe what he saw and believed. The Apostle Paul faced similar accusations of madness. He responded to such charges by saying, “If we are out of our mind, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you” (2 Corinthians 5:13). When Governor Festus heard Paul’s testimony in court, he exclaimed, “Paul, you are out of your mind! Your great learning is driving you insane!” (Acts 26:24). Paul replied, “I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains” (verse 29). Paul could speak and act this way because he lived “by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). His faith in God’s unseen reality gave him courage to defy worldly perceptions and accusations.

To believe means “to see what is unseen” and “to live as if the things hoped for have already come to pass” (Hebrews 11:1). If someone claims to live as a disciple of Jesus Christ, but their words and actions are entirely aligned with worldly standards of common sense and normalcy, it may be a moment to pause and reflect. They should ask themselves whether their words and actions truly reflect the perspective of someone who sees, knows, and believes in the reality of God’s kingdom.

Prayer:

Lord, as I reflect on today’s message, I realize that my words and actions often align too much with common sense, science, and rationality. I see now that my daily goal has been to gain approval from others rather than from you. Oh Lord, set me free from this need for human recognition. Let my goal be to seek your approval above all else. Grant me the courage to step beyond the boundaries of worldly sense and reason and to leap into the realm of truth and mystery according to your will. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: Following Jesus often means stepping outside the boundaries of what the world sees as normal or reasonable. By living for God’s approval rather than the world’s, we can live in faith and reflect His love and truth in our daily lives.

  • For Preschool-Elementary
    • Who do you want to make happy—your family, friends, or God?
    • Jesus lived for God, not for what others thought. What does that mean for how we live today?
  • For Middle School
    • Are there times when following Jesus might make you seem different to others? How does that feel?
    • How can you show courage to live for God, even when others might not understand or agree?
  • For High School
    • Have you ever been tempted to make decisions just to fit in or gain approval from others? How does this compare to living for God?
    • What practical steps can you take to live boldly for Christ, even when it might seem irrational or unpopular?
  • Family Discussion Question:
    • How can we support each other to make choices that honor God, even when it’s hard?

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