Instruction
Scripture: Mark 3:20-35
In this passage Jesus was
confronting the scribes regarding their accusation that he was possessed by a
demon. Jesus revealed that there is a sin for which there is no forgiveness:
blaspheming the Holy Spirit. Jesus used the opportunity of this accusation to
teach us that forgiveness is central to his ministry, but when people reject
the Holy Spirit’s gift of faith they cannot receive forgiveness.
Teaching
If Jesus died to forgive all
sins, how can one be unforgivable? It is because the only way to receive
forgiveness is by believing in Jesus. Only faith can receive forgiveness, and
only the Spirit creates faith. By rejecting Jesus’ word, the scribes refused
the good news he had come to bring, and in so doing refused the salvation the
Spirit would have delivered to them. This still happens today.
We should note that Jesus’ biological
family did not believe in him either. At least not yet. This shows us that the
warning about the eternal sin is not the only word to hear here. Jesus says
that whoever does the will of God is part of his family.
So what is the will of God? To
save sinners by faith in Jesus!
Life
We are always tempted to come to
God on our own terms; perhaps on the basis of our pure doctrine, clean living,
generosity or good deeds. These cannot work. We strive for pure doctrine, clean
living, etc. because Jesus saved us. He has loved us and made us part of his
family – brothers, sisters, mothers – but nothing we do can save us. Only
Jesus’ death and resurrection do that. But we do good in this world as
testimony to all that God has done for us. The good we do is fruit of the Holy
Spirit at work in us.
Prayer
This prayer combines the themes of Instruction and Thanksgiving.
Father in Heaven, you teach us
in your word that it is your desire to include all people in your family, but
some people refuse the gift that you give by the work of your Holy Spirit. Help
us firmly hold the truth that, while all are invited to believe, some will
reject your invitation. Use that belief to move us to boldly speak of the
gospel to invite others to believe in your Son.
Thank you for giving us your
Spirit and creating faith in us. Thank you for making us sisters, brothers, and
mothers of Christ. Thank you for the privilege of sharing the hope we have
because of him with our friends and neighbors who do not know him. Thank you
for all you have done to make us your own: creating us, redeeming us, and
giving us faith to make us your people. Amen.
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