Mark 3: Jesus Attracts Much Attention

New Testament: Student Study guide, (2003), 41

We do not know how many people were converted and became members of the Church while Jesus was alive. It seems that the number was quite small, but Mark records that a larger number of people were interested in Jesus—especially when they saw or heard of His miracles. Mark 3 is a record of some of the growing interest in Jesus and shows how, as He became more well known, those in positions of power and leadership began to oppose Him and look for ways to disgrace Him in the eyes of the people.

Other Accounts of What You Read in Mark 3

Mark 3:1–6—Matthew 12:9–14; Luke 6:6–11

Mark 3:7–12—Matthew 12:15–16

Mark 3:13–19—Matthew 10:2–4; Luke 6:12–16

Mark 3:20–30—Matthew 12:22–37

Mark 3:31–35—Matthew 12:46–50; Luke 8:19–21

Understanding the Scriptures

Mark 3

Withered (v. 1)Disabled, deformed, or shrunk 
Grieved (v. 5)Sad 
Herodians (v. 6)Jews who supported Rome, and Herod, the local governor, in particular 
Wait on him (v. 9)Be ready and available for him 
Throng (v. 9)Crowd, get uncomfortably close 
Plagues (v. 10)Sicknesses 
Straitly charged (v. 12)Strongly or firmly told 
Lay hold on him (v. 21)Take charge and watch over him 
Beelzebub (v. 22)Satan 
Spoil (v. 27)Steal 
Blaspheme against the Holy Ghost (v. 29)Wilfully deny Christ (see Bible Dictionary, “blasphemy,” second paragraph, p. 626) 

Mark 3:8—Idumea, Tyre, and Sidon

See the accompanying map.

map(click to view larger)

Studying the Scriptures

Do either activity A or B as you study Mark 3.

Activity A iconThe Importance of Our Motives

The story told in Mark 3:1–6 gives us interesting insight into the minds of the Pharisees. As you study those verses, answer the following questions:

  1. 1.

    What were the Pharisees looking for when they watched Jesus? (see also the introduction to Matthew 12 in this study guide, p. 20).

  2. 2.

    From whom does the power come to heal?

  3. 3.

    What does this incident tell us about what is important to Jesus and what was important to the Pharisees?

  4. 4.

    What are some examples of things people do today on the Sabbath that follow the traditions of men rather than the inspiration of God?

Activity B iconThe Family of Christ

In Mark 3:31–35 Jesus was not saying that His mother and family were not important. He was again focusing attention on the most important reasons for His coming to earth.

  1. 1.

    According to Mark 3:31–35, what qualifies a person to be a member of Christ’s family?

  2. 2.

    This doctrine was further clarified in the Book of Mormon. In your own words, explain what Mosiah 5:5–9 says about how we become part of the family of Christ.

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