Living Room Study

Mark 3

“’On the other hand, no one can enter a strong man’s house and rob his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man.  Then he will rob his house.  I assure you: People will be forgiven for all sins and whatever blasphemies they may blaspheme.  But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin’ – because they were saying ‘He has an unclean spirit’.”  Mark 3:27-30

Today’s scripture comes at the end of a lengthy passage, titled in my bible: A House Divided.  Jesus chose to use a parable, in response to the accusations of the Scribes.  The Scribes were accusing Jesus of using demonic power to cast out demons. 

This is an interesting interchange, because Scribes had limited ministry authority.  That is, a scribe was an advanced Torah student who was yet to be ordained as a rabbi.  Scribes were not allowed to do two things.  1) They could not make interpretations of scripture on their own.  2) They were not allowed to make judgments.

By their accusations, the Scribes were either: 1) Stepping outside of their authority, or 2) Acting as mouthpieces of their Torah instructors.

Jesus begins dismantling their argument with simple logic.  “Satan cannot drive out himself.”  Imagine how unwilling a pit bull is to let go of its victim.  That’s Satan…and worse!  Jesus is saying Satan is only & always singularly focused, unless compelled by an overwhelming EXTERNAL influence.

That said, Jesus quickly compares the impossibility of Satan’s kingdom being divided, with the historical reality of Israel’s divided kingdom.  Of course, this had to sting the hearts of those scribes, who had dedicated their lives to studying the Torah & Prophets…the history of Israel!

In His analogy, Jesus reminds the Scribes of how Satan had once bound the hearts of Israel’s forefathers…rabbis whose interpretations the Scribes were, no doubt, learning.  Once bound-up in sin, Israel’s kingdom became divided.  Eventually, Babylon conquered Israel, exiled its inhabitants, and carried-off the Temple articles to Babylon.

Per God’s direction to Israel through the prophets, if the Jews would turn back to Adonai, He would forgive them, restoring them to the land.  Regardless of the sin or blasphemy, one could be forgiven if they would acknowledge their sin and repent.  Jesus is extending an earthly image of restoration into the heavenly realm.

What makes Jesus’ message even more poignant, is how He knew the Holy Spirit had revealed this truth to the Scribes.  They knew in their hearts that Jesus was Messiah, but rejected Him anyway.  The only sin, for which there is no forgiveness, is to KNOW Jesus is Messiah…and to reject Him.  

Blessings.

Steve Wiggins