The Rock

A Series on the parables of Jesus – Part 2
A divided kingdom - 1st of 2 blogs on this
 (Click on the link below to read the verses.)
Mark 3:20-29 

[During the first century, it was common for a rabbi to use parables when teaching their disciples. The parables of Jesus were stories that he told to illustrate spiritual truth using some element from everyday life. Jesus used seeds, fish, trees, bread - things people could easily relate to – for a “teachable moment”.]

 

Dwayne Johnson, also known as “The Rock”, is truly a physical specimen. 

He started his career as a professional wrestler in the World Wrestling Federation. For twenty-three years he fought in the ring winning numerous championships and reaching stardom. Today, he has over 360 million followers on Instagram!

 

Having recently started his ministry as an itinerant rabbi, Jesus also had a huge following. People from Galilee to Jerusalem to the other side of the Jordan, traveled to hear him and to be healed.

 

In the passage today, Jesus heals a demon possessed man. Some suggest that he might be the Son of David. But the teachers of the law, most likely out of jealousy and wanting to discredit Jesus, accuse him of being possessed and driving out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons.

 

Speaking to them in parables, Jesus made these points.

 

²⁴ “A kingdom divided by civil war will collapse. ²⁵ Similarly, a family splintered by feuding will fall apart. ²⁶ And if Satan is divided and fights against himself, how can he stand? He would never survive.” ²⁷ Let me illustrate this further. Who is powerful enough to enter the house of a strong man and plunder his goods? Only someone even stronger—someone who could tie him up and then plunder his house.             NLT

 

Like a court room attorney, Jesus argues that what he is being accused of doesn’t even make sense. Then, as if he was challenging “The Rock” to a big-time wrestling match, Jesus proclaims that he is stronger than Satan.

 

Jesus may not have been in a ring with Satan, but he was in a battle.

 

We are in a battle too. It’s a battle where we need to be focused; to be prepared; to be strong. But sometimes during our battle, we don’t do all these things. We’re like a divided kingdom that cannot stand.

 

And when that happens, we need to be reminded that Jesus is stronger than Satan. That he forgives us. That he is faithful and will not fail us.

 

Jesus is THE ROCK!

 

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
    my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
    my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.   NIV                                                Psalm 18:2

 

Copyright 2023 Joseph B Williams

 Keep reading as the next blog is about the same parable only using the Gospel of Luke and with a unique application.