The Gospel According to Mark

Sunday we are continuing our series on Mark’s gospel. We will enter a new section of Mark’s gospel–Mark 3:7-6:13. by way of review... here is helpful summary of where we've been, Mark 1:1 thru 3:6
As Jesus came preaching that the critical moment in redemptive history had finally come. The kingdom of God had drawn near in his very person. As proof that this was the case, Jesus cast out demons,healed the sick, and called disciples to follow him. He even forgave sins. Soon huge crowds followed Jesus everywhere he went. But even as Jesus was preaching the good news about the kingdom of God, the self-righteous scribes and Pharisees were offended by almost everything Jesus did. Jesus ate
with tax collectors and sinners. Jesus and his disciples did not observe the fast as did the Pharisees. And
Jesus healed on the Sabbath. Although Jesus outraged the scribes and Pharisees, his actions were
indicative of the fact that he was Israel’s Messiah and the Son of God. Sadly, even though Jesus came to
bring salvation to his people, the scribes and Pharisees were now conspiring with their political
enemies–the Herodians–to find some excuse to put Jesus to death. Jesus came to bring salvation to
God’s people. But it was becoming clear that Jesus’ mission would be opposed by those very people he
came to save. --Kim Riddlebarger