The scribes attempt to discredit Jesus by calling him Satan. When the church defines itself as a family, who is being left out? Who is part of the church family?īeelzebul - “a name for Satan derived from the Canaanite high god Baal.” Jewish Annotated New Testament, p. The idea that one can create a “Chosen Family” out of shared values over blood ties is remarkably freeing - and terrifying.
Radical redefinition - calls people to care for others in a way that is radically inclusive. Threatens to undermine the core of social stability. Revolutionary redefinition - throws into question the entire Jewish system of social construction. Jesus redefines family as those who are sitting with him. Therefore “father” is not mentioned - Jesus is breaking down the hierarchical structures in both family and society (see more on this in Elizabeth Struthers Malbon, “Mark”, Women’s Bible Commentary, p. In this new community- this new family, there is no head of the household, there is no hierarchy, the only “head” is God. In the Roman world- everything belonged to the father- the pater familias. The father would have been the hierarchical head of the household. Sidenote: “Mother, brothers, and sisters are looking for you.” What about Dad? Has Joseph died? Joseph never mentioned in Mark’s gospel.
In verse 21 - family is literally - “those around him” this is clarified later as his mother and brothersįirst wants to “control him,” because he’s out of his mind. Jesus returns to the “house” a supposedly safe place, but it isn’t a safe place, even his “family” do not create a safe place Healings were drawing crowds despite his efforts to keep things quiet. Immediately after calling the rest of the 12 Words of assurance for clergy under duress (to a point).
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