Mark 3:7-35

What will you do with your life? You get one trip from birth to death; you can choose safety, or you can pursue significance. But know this: A life of significance will cost you. It cost Jesus…as we see in today’s study.

Great Ministry, Great Attack
• Jesus’ power on display!

• Jesus’ incredible popularity

• Jesus’ selects His disciples

• Jesus the lunatic!

• Jesus the demoniac!


The Dangers of Choosing A Life of Significance

• Spiritual victory brings spiritual opposition


• Commitment to Christ will mean isolation

But… you’ll be following Jesus!


“For whoever does the will of God, he is My brother and sister and mother.”
Jesus, Mark 3:35 


For Further Study

1. To get an idea of Jesus’ influence at this point in His ministry, look up on a map the places mentioned in Mark 3:7. Imagine the scenes described in 3:9-12, 20. What kind of people often evoke this response and influence today? Describe the impact Jesus might have had on your life if you were living then.

2. Why do you think Jesus told the demons (who He was casting out of people) to stop announcing that He was the Son of God (vv.11-12)? How might this relate to the scribes’ accusation of Jesus in v22? What damage could such an announcement coming from demons cause? Obviously, the source of a gospel message is very important! Consider how much damage is done when a person proclaims faith in Jesus, but demonstrates ungodliness in his life.

3. We tend to be pretty hard on Jesus’ family for their unbelief (v21; see John 7:5), but maybe we should cut them some slack. Try to put yourself in their shoes; this is your older brother! How would you feel about what he claimed? See Mark 6:4.

4. The “unpardonable sin” is a hot topic among some Christians. What sins have you heard described as “unpardonable”? How would you describe the special circumstances and specific act which Jesus refers to as an “eternal sin” (v29). Can this same sin be committed today? Why or why not?

5. What does Mark 3:31-35 teach us about priorities in spiritual life? What cost is a person following Jesus willing to incur in being a disciple (see Luke 14:25ff)? What promise is implicit in Jesus’ closing declaration (v35)?

6. Finally, a rhetorical question (you may just want to weigh this one in your heart): What am I choosing for my life? Am I on a road of security, but not significance? What ‘dangers’ would I be willing to face to be radically engaged in following Christ?

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