His Ministry
Mark 3:21 says, “And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself.”
Jesus has always been criticized and opposed by the religious leaders (Mt 12:24), during His earthly ministry. As His followers, we will also experience hatred and persecutions (1 Jn 3:13), from those that oppose Him (Jn 15:18). In our passage, Jesus received opposition from His own “friends.” It was right after He spent “all night in prayer” (Lk 6:12), from a mountain and from ordaining the twelve men who would serve as His disciples (v. 14). They were hoping to get some rest and food when a multitude of people approached them for help (v. 20).
The scribes (Lk 11:44), also came and accused Him of casting out devils using the power of “Beelzebub” (v. 22), which is the unpardonable sin (v. 29)! The Lord’s friends said that “He is beside himself,” which means that He is either delirious or deranged. Because they knew that He claims to be God (Mk 2:7). He doesn’t work for a living but goes around preaching and trusting God to supply all His needs (Lk 9:58). They could not understand His ministry. Our own family members and loved ones also thought that my wife and I were crazy for quitting our high paying jobs so we could go full time in the ministry (Lk 9:62).
I’ve seen young people get saved, and they start living for the Lord. Their families think that they are fanatics when they see them going to church three times a week, praying, reading their Bibles, giving their tithes, living clean, and dressing modestly. Some have even accused the church of brainwashing their children. This is a very common reaction when ungodly parents become ashamed of their lifestyles (Rom 6:19), because their children start to live clean and holy lives (Eph 4:24)! There will always be people who will criticize us when we live for Christ (Mt 10:35). Don’t let that crowd get to you. Let’s keep on serving and keep on going for Jesus! God bless you!
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