Mark 3

“Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” (4). Jesus spoke with authority about the kingdom of God and the Law, cutting through layers of human tradition to reveal God’s heart. From his desert temptation experience to the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus showed how Israel’s history pointed to him, and through him God’s promises were fulfilled and extended to the world. By faith in him, all who believe become his “mother and brothers” (34-35).

Like the Pharisees, our “stubborn hearts” lead us to condemn others and attempt to restrict God’s blessing (5), but Jesus brings us back to the generous reality of God’s love.