Jesus Is Insane

Introduction

Families usually stick together. What I mean by that is that families generally are designed to be a support to each other. When a child is ill, the family rallies to assist the child. When a loved one dies, the family comes together to share the grief. When a job is lost, the family pulls together to save money and to pray for another beginning. Families usually stick together. Some of you know what it is like to care for an aging parent or relative. You know the amount of time and energy that it requires. You know that it can put your life on hold, while you do what needs to be done. But that is what families do. We do that because we love our relatives. The same thing is true when a family member is hurting.

In our text this morning, Mark allows us to get a glimpse of Jesus’ family. He sandwiches two stories together. In 3:20-21, Mark starts a story about Jesus’ family and then in 3:22-30 he inserts another story about the opposition and then in 3:31-35 he finishes the story about Jesus’ family. As usual, Mark tells these stories so that the reader must decide whether he is going to accept Jesus or the view that his family and others have about him. Mark puts these two stories together because they include a similar theme—folks think Jesus is not rational. Jesus’ family in 3:21 say that Jesus is out of his mind. The religious leaders say that he is demon possessed. Something isn’t right with Jesus is the general consensus and Jesus states that he is looking at life differently. Jesus says in this text that his real family are those who accept him and his claims. This morning we are going to look at what it means to belong to Jesus’ family and then as Mark intended, you will be asked to decide if you accept Jesus and his claims.

Insanity

Jesus is a popular guy. In fact, he is so popular that he cannot eat. Mark allows us to see his family’s reaction to this popularity. They think he is crazy. Luke tells us that Mary kept things in her heart. John tells us that as Jesus began his ministry, that Mary knows that Jesus is special. But Mark tells us that somewhere along the way the family no longer believes that Jesus is so special. The man isn’t eating; he isn’t taking care of himself; he isn’t getting enough rest; his health is in jeopardy. He is delusional. Even Jesus’ own family doesn’t have faith in him. What happened? Why do they not even acknowledge Jesus as someone special any longer? John also tells us that the day comes when his family mocks him (John 7).

Since his family sees him as insane or out of his mind or lost touch with reality, Mark tells us that religious leaders believe him to be demon possessed. There is no denial in verse 22 that he is driving out demons. The religious leaders just do not believe that Jesus is who he claims to be. Jesus tells them that if Satan’s kingdom were divided it would not stand. Satan wouldn’t put up with good being done. Instead, Jesus says that he is one who has entered the strong man’s house and tied up the strong man. He is here to forgive all sins. But there is one sin which cannot be forgiven and that is the sin against the Holy Spirit. We’ll return to this in a moment.

So Mark resumes the story about Jesus’ family. They want Jesus to come outside so that they can quietly take him home. Jesus refuses their offer making sure that all in the house understand that he is with his spiritual family because they all want to do God’s will.

Family and Hope

What does Jesus mean when he says that the sin against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven? Don’t miss verse 28. He says all sins can be forgiven. Don’t leave here today without hearing that statement. Whatever you have done, said, thought can be forgiven. By the power and words of Jesus forgiveness is yours. You do not have to worry or wonder. Forgiveness is assured when Jesus speaks the words. So what is the exception about?

Let’s suppose that you go to a mechanic. He tells you that you need new brakes and that your car will be as good as new when the brakes are repaired unless, of course, you choose not to replace the worn out brakes. What would happen if old brakes were never replaced? Eventually the rotors wear out and there is nothing left to stop the car. It is at that point as you are hurtling down a steep mountain that it is too late to do anything. No amount of praying; wishing; or promising to go back to the mechanic first thing in the morning will make your car stop. If you don’t listen to the mechanic, there is no possibility of getting better. All hope is gone unless the brakes are changed.

That is what Jesus is saying. The blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is a reflection of one’s faith in Jesus. What is the Holy Spirit’s role? Throughout John’s gospel account we are told that the Holy Spirit reflects upon Jesus. His job is to make sure that people glorify Jesus. He points to Jesus never to himself. If one blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, they in essence speak against Jesus. If one ignores the leading and direction of the Spirit as he points to Jesus, then there is no hope. Salvation is possible only through Jesus. Just as you are hurtling down a steep hill with no brakes, you cannot put your foot out the door and hope to stop your car, so one has no hope of saving himself if there is a rejection of Jesus. This is what Jesus is telling these religious leaders. They are so very close to blasphemy. They call the good that Jesus does evil. They ignore the obvious truth. They act as if Jesus is just as his family declares—insane. There is no faith. And without faith there is no salvation. Without Jesus there is no hope.

But this idea of faith in Jesus isn’t just a casual faith. Jesus’ family thought he had crossed the line of sanity. They thought he had crossed the line of religious practice to religious fanaticism. It’s okay to believe in God; it’s okay to teach; it’s even okay to be popular, but don’t let your dedication to God cost you. Don’t become a fanatic about this stuff. Stay on the edge. Be convicted in your teaching but don’t be convicted.

Jesus says whoever joins him in doing the will of God is his family. There is no casual faith here. Those who join him are stepping across the line of religious practice to religious fanaticism. Don’t get bogged down in that word fanaticism. I’m not talking about extremism. I am speaking of the conviction that comes from a faith that says the cost of following Jesus is not too great. The conviction that is willing to sacrifice and to risk for the sake of Jesus. The conviction that is not willing to be on the sidelines, but must get in the middle of things. The conviction that is willing to demonstrate a faith that goes beyond Sunday.

Jesus says if you want to talk about family, let me show you what family looks like. Jesus’ family has purpose and meaning. Jesus’ family understands the importance of being about the father’s business day in and day out. There is no wimpy faith in Jesus’ family. Jesus’ family sticks together. We support each other and we share a common faith. It is a faith that refuses to stay on the edge of real commitment. It is instead a faith that plunges into the will of God and demonstrates its strength by being about God’s business. We as Jesus’ family continue today to make his will a reality in the lives of others. We share in his dream of others knowing him. This is the power of faith.

So is Jesus insane or the one who gives hope and a family? There is no casual faith in these stories. Some did not understand Jesus’ work. Those who did surrounded him and stayed close to him. Which will it be for you?

Follow Jesus

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