Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
The scribes who had come from Jerusalem said, "He is possessed by Beelzebul," and "By the prince of demons he drives out demons" (Mark 3:20-35).
Reading the beginning of Mark's gospel, chapter three is essential to fully understanding today's gospel. I want to point out a few key passages to help explain why the authorities referred to Jesus as Satan. At the start of Mark's gospel, there is a story about a man with a withered hand. Jesus called the man to come before them, in front of the crowd, and said, "Come up here before us" (Mark 3:3). Instead of letting the man continue to suffer, Jesus chose to heal him on the Sabbath. This story ends with the line, "The Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel with the Herodians against him to put him to death" (Mark 3:6).
In chapter three's next section, Mark focuses on Jesus' miracles in Idumea, or Edom. The crowd grew larger, "Hearing what he was doing, a large number of people came to him from Jerusalem, from Idumea, and from beyond the Jordan ..." (Mk. 3:8). Mark stated that Jesus "... had cured many, and as a result, those with diseases were pressing upon him to touch him. And whenever unclean spirits saw him, they would fall down before him and shout, "You are the Son of God" (Mk. 3:10-11). By now, the rulers are seething. Jesus' healing on the Sabbath had already angered them, and now the people are showing alliance with Jesus, proclaiming that he was the Son of God.
Now, the stage is set, and the authorities are ready to do what Satan always does: accusing. "For the accuser of our brothers is cast out, who accuses them before our God day and night" (Rev. 12:10). It's important to note that the authorities are casting doubt on where the power to heal is coming from. The Pharisees and Herodians want the audience to believe that Jesus is using power from Beelzebul, the Lord of the Flies, which is an Old Testament reference to Satan. For example, the prophet Elijah sent a message to King Ahaziah of Samaria: "Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going to inquire of Baalzebub, the god of Ekron?" (2 Kings 1:3). As a result of the king consulting Beelzebub, he died. For this reason, do not be deceived: "Satan masquerades as an angel of light" (2 Cor. 11:14).
Therefore, Jesus asked this profound question after the leader's outrageous statement, "By the prince of demons he drives out demons" (Mark 3:22). Jesus' response was, "How can Satan drive out Satan?" (Mark 3:23). Jesus makes it clear to the world that he cannot be Satan. He is using power from his Heavenly Father, who is love. This love is stated in John's Epistle: "Beloved, I hope you are prospering in every respect and are in good health, just as your soul is prospering" (3 John 1:2). How many people know that Satan does not want you to be blessed and prospering? Satan does not love you, but Jesus does. Jesus wishes blessings upon those who called on his name, like the man with the withered hand and those in the crowd from Jerusalem who had many unnamed diseases.
I am looking for a miracle; I believe in the impossible that only comes from Jesus, the Son of God. "Call to me, and I will answer you; I will tell you great things beyond the reach of your knowledge" (Jere. 33:3).
Author: Evang./Prof. Michael Howard, MACS
Facilitator, University of Dayton, VLCFF,
University of Notre Dame, McGrath Institute, STEP Online,
Lead Faculty and Course Designer "The Presence of Black Catholics in the Church Today and Tomorrow" Loyola Marymount University,
Founder of Eat the Scroll Ministry
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