Summary
In Mark 3 Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, provoking the Pharisees who fear loss of power. He challenges their legalism and demonstrates compassion, angering their hard hearts. The Pharisees and Herodians conspire against him, so Jesus withdraws to the sea, where a large crowd gathers. He warns the disciples to avoid crowds, yet many still press him for healing. Unclean spirits recognize him as the Son of God, but he orders them to remain silent. He appoints twelve disciples, naming them and giving them authority to heal and cast out demons. A crowd overwhelms the house, and Jesus is accused of casting out demons by Beelzebub. He counters with parables about Satan and the unforgivable sin of blaspheming the Holy Spirit. Finally, when his family comes to find him, he declares that those who do God's will are his true relatives.