Mark 3:20 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Then he went home, and the crowd gathered again, so that they could not even eat.

NIV: Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat.

NASB: And He *came home, and the crowd *gathered again, to such an extent that they could not even eat a meal.

CSB: Jesus entered a house, and the crowd gathered again so that they were not even able to eat.

NLT: One time Jesus entered a house, and the crowds began to gather again. Soon he and his disciples couldn’t even find time to eat.

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

NKJV: Then the multitude came together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread.

The "home" referred to here is probably Andrew and Peter's house in Capernaum (Mark 1:29). From the earliest days of Jesus' public ministry, the people know He will eventually turn up there (Mark 1:32–33; 2:1–2).

The Jews understand that God has sovereignty over illness and healing. However, they also believe that ill health is a punishment from God for sin, and that healing is a sign of God's forgiveness. Healing shows that God has favor on the person. It's natural that the people would want healing, not only so their lives will be easier, but as an outward sign that God forgives their sins.

Although the Pharisees believe this, they can't allow themselves to accept that Jesus is the Son of God. They believe God couldn't possibly give authority to a teacher who heals on the Sabbath and doesn't follow the Pharisaical traditions. If Jesus' teachings are wrong, then His healing must be of the same as the pagan sorcerers. This is why they claim His power is from Satan (Mark 3:22–30). God does promise to bless Israel if they obey Him, but that doesn't mean ill health or injury is always a punishment for disobedience (John 9:1–3).

Jesus healing and casting out demons until He is exhausted, or has no time to eat, becomes a common theme in this book (Mark 6:31). There is usually one day a week when Jesus can get rest from this type of ministry—the Sabbath. For as busy as Jesus seems to have been, thus far, on the Sabbath, Jesus has cast out one demon (Mark 1:21–26) and healed one man (Mark 3:1–5) .He's also gotten into a fair amount of arguments with the Pharisees. So, even in Christ, we see a general preference for rest on God's designated day of rest. While Sabbath-keeping is not required of Christians, we would do well to remember that God created rest as well as work.

Mark 3:13–21 is the third story about the reactions people had to Jesus' ministry. Here, we establish which men Jesus chooses to be in His inner circle. Jesus separates ''the twelve'' for special training so they can be equipped to heal (Matthew 10:1), cast out demons, and spread the gospel. Other than Peter's mother-in-law (Mark 1:30–31), there is no record that Jesus performed miracles of healing for them. But they have witnessed Jesus' power and authority, and are willing to dedicate themselves to His teaching. This is a stark contrast to Jesus' own family. This account is also recorded in Matthew 10:1–4 and Luke 6:12–16.

The bulk of chapter 3 deals with how different people react to Jesus' teaching and His assumption of authority. The Pharisees' confusion transitions into plotting. The crowds that continually follow Jesus for healing become more frenetic and dangerous. Jesus' own family, afraid for His sanity, try to pull Him away. But true followers also show themselves. Twelve join together to become a core group, while a slightly bigger crowd, more interested in Jesus' teaching than miracles, earn the honor of being called His true family.

The Gospel of Mark emphasizes both Jesus' servanthood and His role as the promised Messiah: the Son of God. This is done through a concise, action-packed style. Mark provides relatively few details, instead focusing on actions and simple statements. This relates to the Gospel's authorship, which is believed to be based on the memories of the apostle Peter. These include many of Jesus' miracles, in contrast to other Gospels which include many more of Jesus' teachings and parables. Mark also makes frequent mention of Jesus' ministry being misunderstood by others.