Mark 3:20

"and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. Then he came into a house."

Key Reflection

Mark 3:20 appears to be part of a larger narrative and seems out of place when taken in isolation; it is likely part of the preceding verses that were not included here. The verse mentions Judas Iscariot, who will later betray Jesus, before noting that Jesus entered a house. This context underscores the contrast between those who seek to harm Jesus (like Judas) and those who genuinely try to understand him. In first-century Jewish culture, houses often served as centers of teaching and community gatherings; thus, entering a house marked another moment in Jesus' public ministry where he would continue to teach and interact with his disciples and others.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 20. They could not so much as eat bread. Their time and attention were so occupied, that they were obliged to forego their regular meals. The affairs of religion may so occupy the attention of ministers, and others, as to destroy their relish for the ordinary comforts and employments of life, and prevent their engaging in their customary pursuits. Religion is all-important--far more important than the ordinary business of this life; and there is nothing unreasonable if our temporal affairs sometimes give way to the higher interests of our own souls, and the souls of others.

Related Verses

More from Mark 3

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36

Go deeper with Bible.talk - your AI Bible study companion