Mark 3:1-35

Scripture

• Another time Jesus went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there.2 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.3 Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand,"Stand up in front of everyone."4 Then Jesus asked them, "Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?" 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
• he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him
• Whenever the impure spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, "You are the Son of God."
• When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, "He is out of his mind."
• 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."

Also *  Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelvet that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.

Observation

• Notice the varied responses to the actions and ministry of Jesus. His followers can expect the same. Those who recognize that they have a need are the most likely to respond positively to attempts to the ministry of Jesus Christ that we are attempting to carry on.
• Jesus calls His followers and gives them specific tasks to do 

Application

Be prepared and expect to be rejected when following Jesus. Remember that He is the only One I have to please.  Some will respond and those make it all worthwhile.

Prayer

LORD, please make me willing to suffer rejection for Your sake.  You suffered much more than I ever will.  Please call me, empower me and equip me to fulfill Your purposes for my life.