45 Days To Read The Gospel Challenge – The Gospel of Mark Chapter Three: The Unforgiveable Sin, and the Relatives of Jesus

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ePrayer Circle offers daily posting of scripture and prayers along with a FREE “45 Days To Read the Gospel Challenge”.  In addition, a FREE 24/7 prayer request service is available for your convenience by phone, or email. You are encouraged to complete the course in your own time. 45 Days is a challenge.

 

 

How to Get the Most Out of The Challenge

The Gospel consists of four books in the New Testament—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—that share the teachings of Jesus Christ. You can start the FREE “45 Day Challenge” at any time by visiting the ePrayer Circle homepage and selecting the “45 Day Challenge” menu option. Feel free to share these lessons and print them for use in your Bible study groups. You can also translate the content into multiple languages using the Google Translate menu bar on the homepage.

These lessons are for personal and non-profit use.  These works have been registered under Creative Common License,  Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivs CC BY – NC – ND 4.0 International  Free to use as designed but are not for commercial use or sale.    The “45  Days To Read The Gospel lessons” are available FREE 24/7 for your convenience. 

 

 

 

 

Transcript:  HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF THIS CHALLENGE

Step One.  Start in the order of: the Gospel of John, Luke, Mark and Matthew for understanding.

The instructions are designed for accessibility and ensures the learner is not overwhelmed and confused. Post your questions in the comment section and the author will answer you. Please share your experiences and opinions.

Step Two.  Each lesson takes about 35 minutes to complete: 20 min to study the lesson and take the quiz. 15 minutes to read the Bible resource

It is recommended to read the entire post and then take the quiz before reading or listening to the bible resources. Each lesson is self-contained and includes all resources needed.

Step 3:  You should complete two lessons a day.  5 Days a week in order to complete the “45 Days to Read The Gospel Challenge in 45 days”.

There is no law that says you have to complete these lessons in 45 days. You are free to work at your own pace. Study the lesson and take the quiz in the morning, and later listen to or read the bible resources.

Step 4: Get organize with pen and paper.  Take notes.  Each lesson contains: Header Sections (Table of Contents): (1) chapter summary, (2) objectives, (3) outline, (4) reflection question,  (5) chapter highlights, (6) resources, (7) interactive quiz, and (8) a call to salvation.

Step 5: Enjoy.  The Gospel Changes Lives.  Get active and communicate with others. Share the lessons with friends. No stress. Work at your own pace.

Isaiah 9:6 KJV“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son, is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

 

 

Before Starting this Course: 

 

 

Read the Word in the parking lot while waiting on others.

Read the Word in the morning with coffee and at night for easy rest at bedtime.

Read the Word when you walk for exercise.

Send the Word to your social media platforms.

Text the Word to people to encourage them in the Lord:  children, friends, spouses, acquaintances, or neighbors.

 

Overview of The Gospel of Mark

The Gospel of Mark, written by Mark John (also known as “John” in the Book of Acts), is one of the four Gospels in the New Testament. Mark was a close companion of the disciple Peter, who referred to him as his spiritual son. Although Mark did not walk with Jesus personally, he closely followed Peter and recorded much of what Peter witnessed during Jesus’ ministry. This Gospel is often called the “Memoirs of Peter” because of Mark’s close relationship with him. It was written between A.D. 50-70, before the Book of Acts, and is thought to have been written in Italy.

Mark’s Gospel focuses heavily on the miracles that Jesus performed throughout His ministry in Galilee, showing Jesus’ power over sickness, demons, and nature. Unlike other Gospels, Mark emphasizes Jesus’ human nature, highlighting His emotions and physical limitations. This portrayal of Jesus helps believers understand that He is familiar with the struggles and challenges of being human and can fully sympathize with our problems and situations.

Mark’s work was an important source for the Gospel of Luke, as Luke borrowed many notes from it. Overall, the Gospel of Mark presents a powerful narrative of Jesus’ ministry, filled with miracles and moments that reveal both His divinity and humanity.

Keywords: sabbath,  The Gospel of Mark, Bible verses, scriptures, ePrayerCircle, 45 Days to Learn the Gospel Challenge, free Bible lessons, eBible study, Mark 1:1, Mark 16:15, Jesus’ miracles, discipleship in Mark, repentance in Mark, John the Baptist, Jesus’ baptism, wilderness temptation, healing miracles of Jesus, Mark’s Gospel summary, Peter’s memoirs, Christ’s humanity, Galilee ministry, Mark 10:45, kingdom of God, Jesus’ resurrection, Mark 14:36, parables in Mark, Peter and Mark

 

 

45 Days To Read The Gospel Challenge – The Gospel of Mark Chapter  Three

 

 

OVERVIEW OF  THE GOSPEL OF MARK CHAPTER THREE

The Gospel of Mark Chapter Three makes several important teachings of Jesus regarding love, the Sabbath, and the unity of believers. Jesus demonstrates that love and compassion should take precedence over rigid laws when He heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, despite the Pharisees’ disapproval. His question, “Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save a life, or to kill?” (Mark 3:4 KJV) challenges the strict, legalistic interpretation of the Sabbath. Jesus shows that the spirit of the law, rooted in love and life, is more important than adhering to rituals without compassion.

In Matthew 22:36-40, Jesus introduces new commandments, stating that the greatest commandment is to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and the second is to love your neighbor as yourself. These two commandments summarize the essence of all God’s laws and guide believers in how to live according to God’s will.

Jesus entered again into the synagogue, and there was a man there which had a withered hand.”  Jesus healed him.  To heal on the Sabbath is considered work and against God punishable by death.  The scribes and Pharisees question Jesus about healing on the Sabbath as healing was considered work.  Mark 3: 4 KJV ⁴And he (Jesus) saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save a life, or to kill?  No one said anything. Jesus was angry. Jesus was sad at the hardening of hearts. 

Jesus gave a new law, ” Love each other as you love yourselves”. Matthew 22: 36-40KJV ³⁶Master, which is the great commandment in the law? ³⁷Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. ³⁸This is the first and great commandment. ³⁹And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. ⁴⁰On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. 

Note: Jesus’ intentions for the observance of the Sabbath and the way believers should live are based on the essence of his Holy Spirit – love, truth, and preserving life. Before stated are the two commandments that hang all the law and the prophets.  Jesus wants us to observe the Sabbath-to rest and worship God.  However, the intent behind Jesus’s command that the Sabbath is made for man and not man for the Sabbath was to do away with judgment, offenses, and traditions until death concerning the day of worship.  God is love.  1 John 4:8  “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” In a later chapter  Colossians 2:16 KJV ¹⁶Let no man, therefore, judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of a holy day, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:

MARK 3: 14-15KJV   ¹⁴And he  (Jesus) ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, ¹⁵And to have the power to heal sicknesses and to cast out devils:  Jesus teaches that a house and kingdom divided will fall and that Satan does not go against himself as he does not divide himself.  Therefore, the one sin is  ²⁸Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme:²⁹But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness but is in danger of eternal damnation:

Note: One reason God wants us to glorify and praise him is to make sure your loyalty is with him. His house is not divided. He knows your heart but he wants you to know it.  Psalms 150:6KJV  “Let everything that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.”

Jesus’ consideration of his disciples, followers, and believers is that everyone that does the will of God is held in closeness as a family member.  ^{Mark 3:35KJV}For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother. 

 

Keywords: The Gospel of Mark, Chapter 3, Jesus heals on the Sabbath, withered hand miracle, twelve apostles, blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, Jesus and Pharisees, doing good on the Sabbath, healing miracles of Jesus, casting out devils, Jesus’ teachings, house divided against itself, Jesus’ authority, followers of Jesus, Jesus and disciples, power to heal, Jesus’ family of believers, Sabbath controversy, love and compassion of Jesus, Jesus’ ministry, Mark 3 KJV

 

 

Time: 35 minutes to complete lesson: 20 minutes to read the entire post and take the interactive quiz, additional 15 minutes to view video resource and comment on social media

 

Objective Chapter Three-What you will learn:

A. Understand Jesus’ purpose for the Sabbath focusing on the importance of rest, worship, and compassion over strict legalism.

B. Recognize the unlimited nature of Jesus’ healing power. Jesus demonstrated that His ability to heal is boundless and not restricted by time or circumstance.

C. Identify the twelve apostles and their roles : Name  or identify the twelve apostles and describe the specific roles and responsibilities each had in their ministry.

D. Explain the concept of the unforgivable sin according to Jesus’ teachings, and its spiritual implications.

E. Understand Jesus’ relationship with believers who follow God’s will recognizing them as part of His spiritual family.

 

Outline for Chapter Three of the Gospel of  Mark

1    Jesus heals a withered hand on the Sabbath.

 2.  Jesus heals the great multitudes of people that follow him.

 3.  Jesus chooses the twelve apostles.

 4.  Blasphemy against the Holy Ghost is an unforgivable sin.

5.   Jesus’s obedient believers are his nearest relatives. 

 

Reflection and Discussion: Something to think about.

Life can often be unfair and difficult, but we are called to trust in God’s understanding. Reflect on times you may have felt anger toward God, only to later realize you were overcome with grief, fear, or hurt. Take a moment to tell Him you love Him and repent for any anger or doubt.

Psalms 34:19  “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.”  1John 1:8-9  ⁸If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. ⁹If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  Remember, Jesus states blasphemy against the Holy Ghost is an unforgivable sin so be careful.  

 

Resources For This Lesson

Click here for the King James Bible version in the text (pdf), mobile viewing on the web (KJV), YouTube audio, and video version Chapter 3 (total time: 8 min. )  Part One and Part Two.

 

See “Chapter Three Highlights” below for scriptures and help with the quiz. If needed, refresh the screen to retake the quiz.

 

 

1.  Jesus’ intent of the Sabbath.  Mark 3: 1-6 KJV

¹And he entered again into the synagogue, and there was a man there who had a withered hand.

²And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him. 

³And he saith unto the man which had the withered hand, Stand forth.

 ⁴And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? To save a life, or to kill? But they held their peace. 

⁵And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth your hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other.

 ⁶And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.

Note: Jesus’ intentions for the observance of the Sabbath and the way believers should live are based on the essence of love and preserving life. Beforestated are the two commandments that hang all the law and the prophets.  Jesus wants us to observe the Sabbath-to rest and worship God.  However, the intent behind Jesus’s command that the Sabbath is made for man and not man for the Sabbath was to do away with judgment, offenses, and traditions until death concerning the day of worship.  God is love.  1 John 4:8  “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” In a later chapter  Colossians 2:16 KJV ¹⁶Let no man, therefore, judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of a holy day, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:

 

2.  There are no limits to Jesus’ healing powers.  Mark  3: 7-12 KJV 

^{Mark 3: 7- 13   7}But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea,

 ⁸And from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and from beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things he did, came unto him.

 ⁹And he spake to his disciples, that a small ship should wait on him because of the multitude, lest they should throng him.

 ¹⁰For he had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had plagues. 

¹¹And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God. ¹

²And he straitly charged them that they should not make him known. 

13“And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him.”

 

3.  The name of the twelve apostles (disciples)  Mark 3: 14-20 KJV

¹⁴And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, 

¹⁵And to have the power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils:

¹⁶And Simon he surnamed Peter; 

¹⁷And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder: 

¹⁸And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite, 

¹⁹And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him: and they went into a house.

²⁰And the multitude cometh together again so that they could not so much as eat bread.

 

4.  The unforgivable sin.  Mark 3: 21-30 KJV

. ²¹And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself. 

²²And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devil’s casteth he out devils.

²³And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan? 

²⁴And if a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.

²⁵And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.

²⁶And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end.   

²⁷No man can enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house.

 ²⁸Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: 

²⁹But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness but is in danger of eternal damnation: 

³⁰Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.

 

Note: One reason God wants us to glorify and praise him is to make sure your loyalty is with him. His house is not divided. He knows your heart but he wants you to know it.  Psalms 150:6KJV  “Let everything that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.”

 

5. Jesus’ consideration of his true believers.  Mark 3: 30-35 KJV

³¹There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him. 

³²And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seeking for thee.

³³And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren? ³⁴And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! 

³⁵For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.

Interactive Quiz.

 

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Call to salvation:

John 3:16  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Romans 10:9-10  9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation. 

John 3:5-6  5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is the Spirit.