Third Sunday after Pentecost

GOSPEL FOR JUNE 8, 1997 – MARK 3:20-35

1. Demonizing Jesus by using God’s own law to accuse him.
2. Thus showing that we are both victims of Satan (Hebrew word “satan” = accuser) and partners in the Cosmic Accuser’s kingdom.
3. Robbed ourselves of God’s promised inheritance for us, viz., having this Jesus as Lord. Permanently stuck in the Accuser’s regime. Cursed (v.29).
4. The “Ochlos” Messiah (See the Crossings web page “Sabb. 39, Nov. 23, 1996” with its essay on the Ochlos Messiah). Jesus binds the Cosmic Accuser and “robs” him of his possessions (=unforgiven sinners) in the break-in that culminates on Good Friday and Easter. Thus v. 28 comes true.
5. By trusting Jesus’ “robbery” sinners are forgiven, are liberated from the Accuser, even when that Accuser rightfully accuses us of being sinners. See Romans 8:1!
6. Living in forgiven freedom as disciples of the Ochlos Messiah. Rolling back the Accuser’s turf as agents for the Messiah (not the Accuser!) in the unfinished forgiveness-business of liberating the “ochlos.”