17. Jesus and His Family (Mark 3:20-35)

This section of Mark focuses on Jesus and his disciples. Their status is gradually being elevated, as they now come to displace the human family of Jesus. "Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?" Jesus asks. His dramatic answer points to those who do the will of God. This section also treats the thorny question of the so-called 'unpardonable sin,' but sees in the brief discussion of this awesome topic great reason for hope.