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by Greg Williamson (c) 2002, 2008

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UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, ALL SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS

ARE FROM THE New Living Translation.

TO MARK 3 >>

(Greek therapeuō) This word connotes committed, heartfelt service, [REF] and in the NT it always means "to heal, cure, restore to health." [REF] Our English words therapy and therapeutics are related to it. [REF]

In ancient thought it was common to distinguish between the three categories of "medicine (building on the foundation of natural order), miracle (based on belief in divine intervention), and magic (manipulating mysterious forces for personal benefit)." Jesus' healings typically fell into the second category. [REF]

Jesus healed many and various physical infirmities, and drove out many demons (sometimes the former were caused by the latter). The demons used their knowledge of his true identity to try to gain control over Jesus, as knowing and using the name of one's opponent was "a key component in exorcisms of that day." [REF]

The four Gospel writers help give us an accurate understanding of Jesus' healings. An examination of the record shows how Jesus always chose to heal at his own discretion. He made no attempt to heal everyone and, contrary to some teaching today, personal faith was not a necessary prerequisite for being healed. Healings always produced an instant audience, and they helped to substantiate Jesus' identity and teachings (JOHN 2:11, 23: 3:2; 4:48; 6:2). Seeing a physical healing or other miracle, however, was intended as only the first step toward receiving the greatest miracle of all. Hence while Luke the physician was "the Evangelist most concerned to appropriate the apologetic value of Jesus' miracles, he is also the one who consistently praises those who do not need such crutches for their faith (4:48; 20:29)." [REF] As a person matures in his faith, he depends less on miracles and more on the one behind them. Too, the faith seeds planted by miraculous healings must take root and grow into a mature faith that knows and obeys Christ. [REF]

Contemporary Christian thought typically reflects one of three attitudes toward miraculous healings:

1. Dispensationalism: healings were for the first century only.

2. Triumphalism: healings are "the birthright of every Christian."

3. An inaugurated theology: "healing, whether natural, medical or miraculous, is seen as a foretaste of the final consummation when the victory of Christ over every manifestation of evil, including sickness, is realized in the bodily resurrection." 9]

Apostle

(Greek apostolos) Literally meaning "one sent forth" (apo, "from," stellō, "to send"), [REF] an apostle was "a delegate, messenger, one sent forth with orders." [REF]

From among his many disciples, Jesus appointed twelve to serve as his first apostles. Their primary function was to bear witness to what Jesus had said and done, including his all-important resurrection. They were aided in this task by the Holy Spirit, who came on the scene following Jesus' return to heaven. [REF] The fact that Jesus commissioned twelve apostles is highly significant. Jesus came to establish a new Israel -- a new people of God -- and the twelve apostles of Jesus corresponded to the twelve tribes of Israel. [REF]

As recorded in Mark 3:13–14, the first apostles were called to a twofold task: 1) be with Jesus, including traveling, eating, sleeping, ministering -- all together, and 2) be sent out to preach the Gospel, in effect extending the message Jesus himself proclaimed. [REF]

Satan

Meaning "adversary," this is one of the proper names of the Devil. The Bible uses a variety of terms to describe him, helping us see him for who and what he really is:

Although in certain circles it may be popular to deny the reality of a personal Devil, there are actually a number of tangible proofs for his existence:

• The fact that God's authoritative Word, the Bible, says that Satan actually exists.

• Persistent efforts throughout the centuries to wipe out both Jews and Christians.

• The reality and organization of demons.

• The fact that temptation and evil have plagued the human race virtually from its inception.

• The thousands of false religions and cults in the world. [REF]

Originally Satan was the chief angel in heaven. Not content to play second fiddle, he aspired to be as great as God. Satan led one-third of his fellow angelic beings in open rebellion against God, after which they were all driven from heaven. Satan then turned his attention to God's highest creation, tempting Adam and Eve to join in rebellion against God. Since that time, he has been working through his army of demon-angels to influence individuals and organizations alike, keeping countless scores in spiritual darkness. The biblical record confirms that one day Satan and his cohorts will be cast into a lake of fire for all eternity (ISAIAH 14:12–15; EZEKIEL 28:11–19; REVELATION 12, 20).  [REF]

One day Satan will be completely defeated. Until then we live in a spiritual war zone in which daily victory over our arch enemy depends on our adopting a healthy attitude. The proper Christian response to Satan includes:

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