- ### Introduction Welcome back to An Apprenticeship to Jesus: Gospel of Mark Study! I’m Nick Oyler, and in this week’s episode, we dive into Mark Chapter 3 — a powerful passage where Jesus heals on the Sabbath, appoints the Twelve Apostles, and teaches what it truly means to be part of God’s family.
Last week in Mark 2, we learned:
Faith can move obstacles
Jesus has authority to forgive sins
Jesus offers compassion over condemnation
The Sabbath is a gift for our benefit
If you haven’t yet, make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss future episodes, and download the free PDF study guide from our website.
Mark 3 — Key Events
1. Jesus Heals on the Sabbath
In the synagogue, Jesus encounters a man with a withered hand. The religious leaders watch closely, hoping to accuse Him. Jesus asks:
“Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?”
When they remain silent, He heals the man — revealing God’s heart for compassion over legalism.
2. Crowds Follow Jesus
From Galilee, Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, and beyond, people come to see Jesus. His miracles draw many, and even unclean spirits declare Him the Son of God.
3. Jesus Appoints the Twelve Apostles
Jesus calls and appoints twelve men to be His closest followers, sending them out to preach and giving them authority to cast out demons:
Simon Peter
James & John (Sons of Thunder)
Andrew
Philip
Bartholomew
Matthew
Thomas
James son of Alphaeus
Thaddaeus
Simon the Zealot
Judas Iscariot
4. Confrontation with Religious Leaders
The scribes accuse Jesus of working by the power of Satan. Jesus responds with the famous teaching:
“A house divided against itself cannot stand.”
He warns against blaspheming the Holy Spirit — a sin with eternal consequences.
5. Redefining Family
When His mother and brothers come looking for Him, Jesus declares:
“Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”
Discussion Questions
What did Jesus say in this chapter?
What did Jesus do in this chapter?
What surprised you about Jesus?
What confused you about Jesus?
How can you be like Jesus this week?
Weekly Spiritual Practices
Choose one new practice this week:
Slowing — Take a long walk, turn off phone alerts, and thank God for the gift of time.
Scripture Memory — Memorize Ephesians 2:10.
Service — Volunteer your time and talents to help someone in need.
Key Verse
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” — Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
Listen to the Full Episode
🎙 Click here to listen to the Mark 3 Bible Study Podcast Episode