Arulvakku

23.01.2023 — Rejecting Divine Power and Authority

3rd Week in Ord. Time, Monday – 23rd January 2023 — Gospel: Mark 3,22-30

Rejecting Divine Power and Authority

This scene is taking place in the house of Peter, which Jesus calls “home” during his ministry. The narrative emphasizes the great popularity of Jesus among the people. However, those who should certainly recognize Jesus as the one sent by God misunderstand and oppose him. His relatives’ believe he is out of mind, and the scribes claim that he is possessed by a demonic power. Nevertheless the claim by scribes does not deny Jesus’ divine power and his authority to perform miracles. Notice they are the first and last of the opponents (1,22; 15,31), and most referred (21 times) among all the other groups of opponents (Pharisees, elders, chief priests, Herodians, Sadducees). With their dominant character they attack Jesus more directly in the whole gospel. This opposition demonstrates that in rejecting Jesus they rejected God. It proves clearly that no one can understand Jesus by simply observing his work from the outside. Only by following him and sharing in his life, can people begin to understand and accept the true source of his authority.