All things bear record · Mark

Mark 3

7 witnesses of Christ here.

Ministry of Christ

And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had a withered hand. Mark 3:1–6

Jesus heals a withered hand on the sabbath, grieving that His critics care more about rules than a suffering man. They respond by plotting to destroy Him.

AttestedExplicitHe speaks in the first person

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

Ministry of Christ

But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea, Mark 3:7–10

Crowds from every region press to touch Jesus because He has healed so many. His healing ministry fulfills what prophets said the Lord would do among men.

AttestedExplicitA pronoun that refers to Him

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

  • fulfils Mosiah 3:5 — The Lord shall go forth amongst men... healing the sick
  • a parallel account in Matthew 12:15 — Great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all

Son of God

And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God. Mark 3:11–12

Evil spirits fall down and confess Jesus is the Son of God, but He forbids them to publicize Him. He wants people to come to know Him by faith, not by the testimony of devils.

AttestedExplicitA title of Christ

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

  • fulfils Isaiah 42:1-2 — He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street
  • a parallel account in Matthew 12:16-21 — Matthew applies Isaiah 42 to this charge to not make him known
  • alluded to by James 2:19 — The devils also believe, and tremble

Ministry of Christ

And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him. Mark 3:13–19

Jesus ordains twelve apostles to be with Him and to carry His power and message. He organizes His Church with authority He gives.

AttestedExplicitA pronoun that refers to Him

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

  • a parallel account in Luke 6:12-16 — Luke's account of choosing the Twelve
  • a parallel account in Matthew 10:1-4 — Matthew's list and commission

Ministry of Christ

And the multitude cometh together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread. Mark 3:20–21

Even people close to Jesus think He has lost His mind. He was misunderstood by His own, as the psalm of the suffering righteous one describes.

AttestedEchoAn echo of Him

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

  • fulfils Psalm 69:8 — I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother's children
  • alluded to by John 7:5 — Neither did his brethren believe in him

Redeemer

And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils. Mark 3:22–27

Accused of working by the devil's power, Jesus answers with a parable: to rescue what the strong man holds, someone stronger must bind him first. Jesus is that stronger one who binds Satan and frees his captives.

AttestedProphecy or typeallegory_parable

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

  • alludes to Isaiah 49:24-26 — The captives of the mighty shall be taken away... I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer
  • a parallel account in Luke 11:21-22 — When a stronger than he shall come upon him
  • a parallel account in Matthew 12:25-29 — Matthew's account

Jesus

There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him. Mark 3:31–35

Jesus says that everyone who does God's will becomes His own family. Covenant disciples are spiritually born into Christ's family.

AttestedExplicitHe speaks in the first person

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

  • a parallel account in Matthew 12:46-50 — Matthew's account
  • alluded to by Mosiah 5:7 — Ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters