Jesus Binds the Strong Man with His Blood (Mark 3:20-35)

 

Jesus Binds the Strong Man with His Blood (Mark 3:20-35)

How do we show love? We express it through gratitude, prayer, and gifts. But how did God demonstrate His love? He heard our groans and sighs and did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all (Romans 8:32). God accepted the blood of His Son; now, for everyone who believes, He breaks the chains of sin and death, adopts them as His children, and makes them brothers of Christ—heirs to the kingdom of heaven.

In Mark 3:20-35, Jesus was accused of being out of His mind and of driving out demons by Beelzebul. However, Jesus taught how He frees us from the hands of the "strong man" (the devil). He also taught that whoever does God’s will is His brother and mother. Amen!

Jesus and Beelzebul (Mark 3:20-22)

20 Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. 21 When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.” 22 And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebul! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons.” (Mark 3:20-22)

Jesus and His disciples didn't even have a moment to eat. Huge crowds kept pressing in because they heard rumors of the great things He was doing and how He healed the sick (Mark 3:8, 10). Strangely, a rumor began to spread that Jesus was "crazy." This wasn't just because He missed a few meals.

Before starting His public ministry, Jesus lived quietly as a carpenter and had not performed miracles. But suddenly, countless sick people were being healed and amazing signs appeared through Him. Furthermore, Jesus didn't shy away from direct confrontations with religious leaders regarding the Sabbath and other traditions. Even the group of disciples He chose was completely unexpected (Mark 3:13-19). News about Jesus quickly became the "national headline."

Because of this, malicious and bizarre rumors spread. To His relatives, who knew Him best, the rumor that He was out of His mind was something they couldn't ignore. So, they went out to restrain Him.

To make matters worse, the teachers of the law from Jerusalem claimed Jesus was possessed by Beelzebul, the prince of demons. It was a baseless accusation: that His miracles didn't come from God, but from the power of demons. They maliciously tried to devalue His work because they did not belong to God, but to the devil.

We believe that demons are real. From Genesis 3 and  Job 1-2, the Bible never hesitates to reveal their reality. Jesus drove out many demons (Matthew 8:16, 12:28; Mark 1:34, 5:1-20). However, the Jews deeply misunderstood them. A demon cannot move a single finger without God’s permission (Job 1:12, 2:6). Demons are created beings—originally angels of light who were cursed after rebelling against God (Isaiah 14:12-17).

Binding the Strong Man (Mark 3:23-27)

23 So Jesus called them over to him and began to speak to them in parables: “How can Satan drive out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. 26 And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come. 27 In fact, no one can enter a strong man’s house without first tying him up. Then he can plunder the strong man’s house.” (Mark 3:23-27)

Jesus answered them: If Satan fights himself, his kingdom falls. History shows that while external invasions can destroy a nation, internal strife and jealousy often do the job first. Therefore, the claim made by the Jews was illogical and nonsensical—it was just stubbornness born of evil intent.

Jesus then used a parable to teach how to defeat the devil. In the parable, Satan is the "strong man." The devil craftily deceived the woman (who was yet without sin), and Adam ate the fruit she gave him (Genesis 3:1-6). Of course, this happened because God allowed it.

Now, God saves fallen humanity. To do this, He sent His Son, Jesus Christ (Genesis 3:15). People in sin are trapped in darkness, bound by the chains of Satan's lies (John 3:19-20; Ephesians 4:18). Those chains are strong and persistent. Without breaking them, there is no salvation. The problem is that no one can escape the "strong man’s" chains on their own.

The only way to be free is to receive forgiveness of sins from God, because the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). However, God cannot simply pretend sin doesn't exist. He is holy, and no evil can stand before Him (Psalm 5:4-5; Habakkuk 1:13).

Therefore, through the sacrificial system given to Moses, God opened a way for people to approach Him through the sacrifice of animals. Through that blood, sins are forgiven, and we are no longer under the power of sin and death but under grace (Romans 6:14). Thus, those forgiven by God can stand boldly before the throne of grace (Romans 5:1-2).

The blood of those animal sacrifices pointed to the blood our Lord Jesus Christ shed on the cross (Hebrews 9:12-14, 10:4; 1 Peter 1:19; Leviticus 17:14). In this way, through His shed blood, Jesus binds the power of the strong man (Satan) and sets the believer free. Jesus healing the sick and forgiving sins was a preview of His death on the cross. Amen!

Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit (Mark 3:28-30)

28 Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, 29 but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.” 30 He said this because they were saying, “He has an impure spirit.” (Mark 3:28-30)

There is no sin that cannot be forgiven by God's grace. Even the robber on the cross reached paradise by believing in Jesus just before he died (Luke 23:43). God overlooks our sins because of the blood of His Son (Ephesians 1:7; 1 John 1:7).

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)

However, blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is never forgiven. What is this? The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth; He does not speak on His own but only what He hears (John 16:13). The Holy Spirit testifies that Jesus Christ, who died and rose again, is the Son of God (1 John 5:6-8; John 15:26). Therefore, blaspheming the Holy Spirit is the act of rejecting Jesus Christ as the Son of God. This is the work of the antichrist (1 John 2:22).

God has sent the Holy Spirit to all who believe (Romans 8:9; Ephesians 1:13-14). How do we know we are obeying the Spirit? We know it when we believe in the Son and follow the path of obedience. When we believe and obey, the Holy Spirit adds assurance within us.

Jesus’ Mother and Brothers (Mark 3:31-35)

31 Then Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. 32 A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, “Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you.” 33 “Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked. 34 Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 35 Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mark 3:31-35)

Jesus' family came to get Him because they heard the rumors. They misunderstood Him too. Jesus taught who His true family is: anyone who does the will of God.

Jesus is the Creator God. Yet, He calls those redeemed by His blood His "brothers" (John 20:17; Hebrews 2:11). Who receives this grace? Those who, like Abraham and David, believe in the Son sent by God. Like the twelve disciples who struggled at first but eventually accepted the suffering Messiah through His death and resurrection.

In Adam, we were enemies of God and children of wrath, but through Christ’s blood, we were redeemed and adopted as God's children (Ephesians 2:3-6, 1:5). As Christ's siblings, we not only inherit the kingdom but also share in His sufferings (Romans 8:17).

The New Year 2026 Has Dawned

By God’s grace, we have become His children, brothers, and sisters who inherit the kingdom with Christ. We belong to Him. We have received one-sided, overwhelming grace. Those who belong to Him bear good fruit through obedience (John 15:5).

3 We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. 4 Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 5 But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. (1 John 2:3-6)

Let us live worthy of that grace this year, participating in the remaining sufferings of Christ with diligence, patience, and obedience (Philippians 1:27). It is possible because we are set free from the bondage of Satan by the blood of Jesus Christ. Living worthy of grace means forgiving and loving our brothers and sisters just as Christ forgave us. Not just once, but seventy-seven times a day (Matthew 18:21-22). I pray that we continue to love and forgive throughout this year.

"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32)

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (Colossians 3:12-14)

Amen!

January 4, 2026

Buffalo Livingstone Church ©2026, David Lee Ministries ©2026 – All Rights Reserved.

Scripture quotes are from the NIV.

 

Jesus Appoints the Twelve to Be With Him (Mark 3:13-19)

 

Jesus Appoints the Twelve to Be With Him (Mark 3:13-19)

How does God bestow salvation upon man? He witnesses the Gospel of salvation through people. God sought out Adam, who was hiding from His face, and gave him the Gospel of salvation (Gen 3:15). Furthermore, God called one man, Abraham, and made him the father of faith for all nations (Gen 12:1-2, Rom 4:23-25).

According to God’s will and plan established before the ages, His Son Jesus Christ took on human flesh and was incarnated on this earth (John 1:14). This was to fulfill the Word God gave through the Law and the Prophets (1 Cor 15:3-4). In Mark 3:13-19, Jesus called those he wanted and appointed twelve. This was so they might be with the Lord, that he might send them out to preach, and that they would have authority to drive out demons. Amen!

Appointing the Twelve Disciples (Mt 10:1-4; Lk 6:12-16)

13 Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. 14 He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach 15 and to have authority to drive out demons. — Mark 3:13-15

Whom did Jesus call as disciples? He called those he wanted to himself. Consequently, the disciples who were called came to Him. "Those he wants" refers to those who have received grace (Luke 1:28). Salvation is entirely by God's grace (Eph 2:8). Those who receive grace respond to that calling with faith (Luke 1:38). Abraham responded to God’s call with faith, leaving his country, his people, and his father’s household to go to the land the Lord directed (Gen 12:1-2). He was established as the father of faith.

It is impossible for a person to come to God unless they are called. Jesus said, "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them" (John 6:44). It is not man who chooses God, but God who chooses us. How can we be sure of God’s election? It is by responding with faith to the love of God’s drawing. For example, we understand God’s Word, are moved by it, and act according to that Word.

What was the purpose of Jesus appointing the twelve? First, Jesus called and appointed them to be with Him. God is "Immanuel," which means "God with us" (Isa 7:14). Just as His name suggests, God will never abandon us (John 14:18). If God is for us, no one can oppose or defeat us (Rom 8:31).

God being with us means He protects and guides us. Jesus protected and kept the disciples who came to Him (John 17:12). He advocated for them and saved them from all harm (Mark 2:23-28). Jesus told the disciples following Him that they would receive a hundred times as much in this present age—along with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life (Mark 10:30).

"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." — Psalm 23:4

How do we know God is with us? We can know by seeing if we hear and obey the Lord's Word. Jesus said that the Father knows Him and He knows the Father (John 10:15). Jesus came from the Father and submitted to His will, being obedient even unto death (Phil 2:8). This is the evidence that Jesus came from the Father. Those who belong to God know God and obey His Word, but those who do not belong to God do not listen to His words (1 John 4:6).

"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." — John 10:27

Additionally, Jesus wanted to send the disciples out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons. Preaching means delivering good news. It is sharing the Gospel of salvation. An angel delivered "good news that will cause great joy for all the people" to shepherds tending sheep at night: that a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born in the town of David (Luke 2:10-11). How is Jesus’ coming such great joy and good news? It is because Jesus saves His people from their sins (Matt 1:21).

Preaching is delivering the Gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ, who was born as the Son of God. However, preaching does not stop at words; it is important to set an example through one’s life. Our Lord Jesus Christ showed that example. Jesus taught His disciples to love their enemies, and He Himself gave His life as a sacrificial offering on the cross for us while we were still enemies (Matt 5:44, Rom 5:10). Jesus told His disciples to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him (Luke 9:23, Matt 16:24, Mark 8:34). Jesus obeyed the Father according to His Word and bore the cross of suffering (Phil 2:5-8).

How do the disciples preach the Gospel that brings salvation? They do not preach by their own strength or ability, but by the Lord’s power and authority (Matt 10:1-15). This is the same way Jesus came to this earth and preached the Gospel of salvation. Jesus taught and performed signs and wonders through the power and authority of the Heavenly Father (John 5:19). Jesus offered His body as a living sacrifice before God, and through His Son, God revealed His glory, majesty, power, and authority through teachings, signs, and wonders.

Jesus promised to send the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, to His disciples (John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7). Jesus could not remain with His disciples in a physical body indefinitely (John 14:19). However, Jesus did not leave them as orphans (John 14:18). Jesus promised His disciples that He would be with them always, to the very end of the age (Matt 28:20).

Just as our model, the Lord Jesus Christ, preached the Gospel of salvation with the power and authority of the Heavenly Father, His disciples also preach the Gospel of salvation to the whole world with the power and authority poured out by the Lord. For this purpose, Jesus called the disciples and gave them the authority, power, and wisdom necessary to preach the Gospel. Amen!

The Authority of the Believer and the Nature of Spirits

Jesus gave his disciples authority and power to drive out demons. The devil, Satan, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Just as he deceived the woman in the Garden of Eden, today he continues to confuse and mislead people by mixing lies with the truth through sweet-sounding words (Genesis 3:1).

Therefore, demons do not belong to God. They rebel against, reject, and oppose Him. Even after seeing God in His majesty and glory, they refused to submit and were disobedient; thus, they have been placed under eternal judgment (John 16:11).

How do we drive out demons? It is through faith in God and His Son, Jesus Christ. Faith is obedience. That obedience means taking up the cross, just as the Lord Jesus Christ set the example. Submitting to God is how we resist the devil. In other words, to be disobedient is to do the work of the devil.

In the past, everyone was an enemy of God—objects of wrath who lived in disobedience (Ephesians 2:3). However, in Christ, we have been forgiven of the sin of disobedience and have become new creations who obey (2 Corinthians 5:17). Since we have received the Spirit of obedience in Christ, we no longer follow the devil but follow the Lord Jehovah God alone (Acts 5:32).

The Appointment of the Twelve

16 These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter), 17 James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”), 18 Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot 19 and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. (Mark 3:16-19)

Jesus appointed twelve from among those he wanted. Most of them were fishermen, tax collectors, and zealots. They were ordinary people—young men from Jewish homes who were accustomed to keeping the Torah and the festivals. They all longingly awaited a Messiah who would liberate Israel from the hand of Rome.

Peter (“the Rock”), while fishing with his brother Andrew, left his nets and followed the Lord when He called (Mark 1:16-18). Andrew had been a disciple of John the Baptist; he followed the Lord and invited his brother Simon, telling him they had found the Messiah (John 1:40-41). They dreamed that Jesus of Nazareth would become the King of Israel and establish an earthly Messianic kingdom.

James and John, the sons of Zebedee, earned the nickname "Sons of Thunder." Once, when the Samaritans rejected Jesus as He headed toward Jerusalem, James and John wanted to call down fire from heaven to destroy them (Luke 9:51-54). Furthermore, on the way to Jerusalem, they asked to sit one at Jesus' right hand and the other at His left in His glory (Mark 10:37).

Matthew’s occupation was that of a tax collector, a group considered public sinners. Philip, upon hearing Jesus tell a large crowd to give them something to eat, remarked that it would take more than half a year’s wages (two hundred denarii) to buy enough bread (Mark 6:37). Bartholomew is also known as Nathanael; when he came to Jesus at Philip’s invitation, the Lord said of him, "Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false" (John 1:47). Thomas, also called Didymus (the twin), said he would not believe unless he saw with his own eyes, even after hearing that Jesus had appeared in His resurrected body to the other disciples while he was absent (John 20:25).

The Path of the Cross and Martyrdom

The most difficult thing for the young disciples was accepting a suffering Messiah. When Jesus spoke of how He must suffer, die, and be raised to life on the third day, Peter insisted that such a thing should never happen (Matthew 16:22). Although Jesus repeatedly taught them that He would rise again after suffering, they were filled with grief and did not understand any of it (Matthew 17:23; Luke 18:34).

Among them, Judas Iscariot ultimately betrayed Jesus and handed Him over for thirty pieces of silver. Jesus had appointed him as one of the Twelve and revealed the secrets of the kingdom of heaven before him. Through His words, signs, and wonders, Jesus showed that He was indeed the Christ of God prophesied by the Law and the Prophets. However, Judas refused to believe until the end and chose his own way (John 13:30).

But the other disciples, after the Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose again, accepted the suffering Christ in their hearts and followed the way of the cross that the Lord had walked. James was the first to be martyred, John was exiled to the island of Patmos, and Peter was martyred by being crucified upside down. The disciples followed the thorny path of suffering that the Lord walked, martyred while preaching the gospel. Some among them left the Gospel of Christ in writing: Matthew recorded the Gospel of Matthew, and John recorded the Gospel of John, the Epistles of John, and Revelation.

Looking Forward to 2026

Just as Jesus appointed the Twelve in the first century, He has called each of us today. This is so that we might be with Him, go out to preach, and have the power to drive out demons. Throughout this past year, God has protected us, guided us, and been "Immanuel" with us according to His promise. We offer thanks and praise for that grace.

As the new year 2026 approaches, we believe our Lord will lead us and bestow grace upon grace. In gratitude for the Lord's grace, we desire to follow the way He went first—the way of the cross—and participate in the remainder of His sufferings. Amen!

December 28, 2025

Buffalo Livingstone Church ©2025, David Lee Ministries ©2025 – All Rights Reserved.

Scripture quotes are from the NIV.

 

Jesus Grieves at the Hardness of Hearts (Mark 3:1-12)

 

Jesus Grieves at the Hardness of Hearts (Mark 3:1-12)

Nothing is more urgent or essential for a person than salvation. God earnestly desires to save all people. In the Bible, salvation carries two meanings: being forgiven of sins and living a fulfilled life. This salvation is obtained only through faith in God’s Son. Any "salvation" that does not go through Jesus Christ is false and not the truth.

In Mark 3:1-12, Jesus commanded a man with a shriveled hand on the Sabbath, "Stretch out your hand." When he did, his hand was completely restored. However, Jesus was deeply distressed and angry as he looked at the faithless, hard-hearted people around Him. Crowds flocked to Him after hearing reports of Him healing many, but Jesus strictly warned the demons not to tell others who He was when they cried out, "You are the Son of God."

Healing the Man with a Shriveled Hand (Matthew 12:9-14; Luke 6:6-11)

"Another time Jesus went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath." (Mark 3:1-2)

When Jesus entered the synagogue to teach, a man with a shriveled hand was there. He had likely been attending this synagogue for a long time. His condition was a major obstacle to living a fulfilled life. As soon as Jesus arrived, the people began calculating. They were certain Jesus would heal the poor man.

The tragic part is that they viewed this as an opportunity to accuse Jesus. From their perspective, healing someone was a violation of the Sabbath. According to their Sabbath regulations, if someone was bleeding, you could stop the bleeding, but you couldn't apply ointment. You could prevent a condition from getting worse, but you were forbidden from making it better.

Ironically, they were allowed to pull an animal out of a pit on the Sabbath (Matthew 12:11). They were in error about the purpose of the Sabbath. God established the Sabbath for mankind; He blessed it and made it holy (Genesis 2:3). God blessed this day so that people could enter His rest, fellowship with Him, and enjoy peace.

To enter God’s rest, however, one must receive forgiveness for sins. One must be freed from the chains of darkness to live in the light. Through the blood of Christ, God brings back to life those who were dead under the power of sin and death. God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, for the salvation of humanity (John 3:16). This scene reminds us of how God sent His servant Moses to His people who were groaning as slaves to Pharaoh for four hundred years.

Which is Lawful on the Sabbath: To Do Good or To Do Evil?

"Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, 'Stand up here in front of everyone.' Then Jesus asked them, 'Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?'" (Mark 3:3-4a)

Jesus told the man to stand in the middle of the room. The Lord intended to heal him. Even though He knew the malicious intent of the Jews, He did not hesitate. Jesus came to this earth to save everyone and lead them into the Father’s rest. This is the Father’s will, and Jesus obeyed even to the point of giving His life to fulfill it.

In what ways is salvation urgent for us? The man with the shriveled hand was incomplete and severely lacking. He was fundamentally hindered from fulfilling his life. This is the reality of human existence. We are exposed to disease, vulnerable to the elements, and must toil to survive (Genesis 3:19, 8:22). We walk through a "thicket of thorns" in our relationships. Young people worldwide struggle to find jobs, and the advancement of AI brings the threat of layoffs in every field.

The challenges and pressures before us seem endless. On top of all this, anxiety and restlessness visit our hearts like unwelcome guests for no apparent reason. We try to leave tomorrow in the Lord's hands, but the burden feels heavy. It is heartbreaking and makes us feel powerless to see innocent lives lost in conflicts between neighbors and nations.

Even for Abraham, who migrated to Canaan in obedience to God's promise, challenges and pressures were a daily reality. Each of us, living with the hope of the eternal Kingdom of God, will inevitably face continued trials. In this way, every person desperately needs God’s help, protection, and guidance.

At that moment, Jesus asked the people—who were watching for a chance to accuse Him—whether it was right to do evil and kill, or to do good and save life. Doing good and saving life is the true essence of "resting." Doing evil and killing leads to trouble and distress, not rest (Romans 2:9).

What is evil? What is "killing"? It is evil to reject, push away, and refuse to believe in Jesus Christ, the Son whom God sent. Doing evil does not bring life; it brings death. Rejecting God's merciful love invites His wrath (Romans 1:18). God’s wrath is often revealed by Him "giving people over" to their own evil desires (Romans 1:24, 26, 28). Therefore, there are always consequences to human evil.

We can test this easily. Just look at what happens to your heart when you hate someone or refuse to forgive. It becomes anxious, heavy, restless, tense, and wandering. There is no joy, peace, stability, or rest. This is the manifestation of God’s wrath.

"The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness." (Romans 1:18)

Then, what does it mean to do good? What is "saving life"? It is to believe in, receive, and obey Jesus Christ. It is to give thanks, praise, and glory for the grace of redemption that the Lord provided by loving us even unto death on the cross. Doing good is the path to saving life. God gives eternal life to those who, by persistence in doing good, seek glory, honor, and immortality (Romans 2:7).

"But there will be glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile." (Romans 2:10)

He Grieved at the Hardness of Their Hearts

But they remained silent. 5 He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. 6 Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus. (Mark 3:4b-6)

Jesus felt both anger and deep grief because they remained silent in the face of such an obvious question. Refusing to believe in and rejecting the Son of God invites His wrath. For example, God commanded Pharaoh of Egypt through Moses to let His people go, but Pharaoh stubbornly refused to listen. Consequently, God sent ten plagues upon Egypt, culminating in the death of the firstborn (Exodus 7:14-12:42).

God wants everyone to be saved (2 Peter 3:9). However, if hearts remain hardened and refuse to turn back to Him, His wrath is released. Yet, God’s wrath is actually an expression of His holy love. If we do not turn to Him and instead follow our own thoughts and will, the result is ultimate destruction and eternal judgment. God displays His wrath because He is patient and does not want anyone to perish.

After looking around at the critics, Jesus commanded the man with the shriveled hand, “Stretch out your hand.” Even though it was physically impossible for the man to do so, he obeyed Jesus’ word, and his hand was restored. Jesus performed good and saved a life on the Sabbath. Instead of repenting, however, the Pharisees went and plotted with the Herodians to kill Him.

Crowds Follow Jesus

7 Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake, and a large crowd from Galilee followed. 8 When they heard about all he was doing, many people came to him from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, and the regions across the Jordan and around Tyre and Sidon. 9 Because of the crowd he told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him, to keep the people from crowding him. 10 For he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him. (Mark 3:7-10)

As Jesus went to the sea, a massive crowd from Galilee followed. People came from all over Israel, and even from Gentile regions like Tyre and Sidon, because they had heard reports of Him. The crowd was so large that Jesus had to have a boat ready to keep from being crushed.

Why did such a large crowd seek Him out? It was because He had healed so many; people suffering from various diseases were crowding in just to touch Him. The types of diseases are countless, and new ones appear every year. Sickness is like an unwelcome friend that is always nearby.

We recently experienced a pandemic that shook the entire world. Some of the most common illnesses today include heart disease, cancer, diabetes, hypertension, asthma, Alzheimer’s, and depression. While some are treatable, many are not.

Illness brings pain, suffering, and depression. However, it also makes us realize our human frailty and acts as a pathway leading us to the Lord. God has the power to prevent disease (Exodus 15:26, Deuteronomy 7:15). During the wilderness wandering, He even protected the Israelites' clothes and sandals from wearing out (Deuteronomy 8:4). Figures like Enoch and Elijah were taken to heaven without seeing death, and Moses’ eyes were still strong when he died at 120.

Yet, it is no exaggeration to say that almost everyone eventually dies from disease or the complications of aging. It is appointed for man to die once (Hebrews 9:27). But for the believer, death is a new beginning—a gateway into God’s eternal life. Because Jesus died for the sins of the world, He gives eternal life to those who believe. Sickness serves to remind us of our weakness, prompting us to come before God and seek His help.

Jesus Rebukes Evil Spirits

11 Whenever the impure spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” 12 But he gave them strict orders not to tell others about him. (Mark 3:11-12)

As seen in the book of Job, there exists in the spiritual realm Satan, the father of lies and a murderer. These are called "impure spirits" because they rebelled against God and seek someone to devour. Jesus did not accept their testimony; He rebuked them. Even though they spoke the truth that He is the Son of God, He rejected their words because they did not have faith. Jesus rebukes a faithless generation.

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” (Matthew 7:21-23)

However, God pours out eternal life upon those who believe in the Son He sent. Therefore, God commands us not to harden our hearts when we hear His voice. When we respond, He gives us a new spirit and a new heart, removing our heart of stone and giving us a heart of flesh.

“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.” (Hebrews 3:15, Psalm 95:7)

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. (Ezekiel 36:26)

Amen!

December 21, 2025

Buffalo Livingstone Church ©2025, David Lee Ministries ©2025 – All Rights Reserved.

Scripture quotes are from the NIV.