Ezekiel 47-48 are a unit, with the start of the chapter telling us about a river that flows from the Temple to the east. The river brings life, as wherever it flows will be freshwater fish and creatures of all kinds. Having been to Israel, this is an incredible concept, because to the east of Jerusalem is arid land that looks nothing like it will support creatures of all kinds. The river will supply the nation with fresh water as well as food. As the chapter continues and flows into chapter 48, the LORD tells Ezekiel how the land of Israel will be divided up among the twelve tribes. In extensive detail, each tribe is given specific dimensions and areas where they will live. The LORD also talks about land to be given to the sojourners in the land. Thus, the book ends on a positive focus, with the future of Israel sure and bright.
As we return to Mark 3, we’re reminded of how Jesus provoked the religious leaders by healing on the Sabbath. While Jesus’ concern was for the well-being of the man with the withered hand, the religious leaders were concerned about their traditions. They saw Jesus’ action as a rebellion against their traditions and went immediately to the Herodians to start planning how to get rid of Jesus. Think of that: They wanted to kill Jesus, and He hadn’t called His twelve disciples yet! In fact, after a session of healing the sick and demon-possessed, Jesus went up a mountain and called the twelve disciples. Since it was pointed out to me about thirty years ago, I have always recognized the importance of a small word in the description of why Jesus called the twelve. First, He called them to be “with” Him. He wanted them to be part of His life, day-in and day-out. He was always teaching them and showing them how to offer ministry to the people, but He desired to be with them.
The remainder of the chapter focuses on two events. First, Jesus took on the religious leaders for saying He was casting out demons by the Prince of Demons. He pointed out this was ridiculous, because no kingdom divided against itself can stand. Then He pointed out that to attribute the works of the Holy Spirit to the devil is an unpardonable sin. Second, Jesus’ mother and brothers wanted to see Him, but they couldn’t because of the crowd gathered around Him. When someone told Him His mother and brothers wanted to see Him, He asked this question, “Who are my mother and brothers?” It seems like a strange question. But He answered it by saying whoever does God’s will is His mother, sister, and brothers. In our lives as Jesus’ followers, our spiritual brothers and sisters might well become closer to us over time than our biological ones, because we are united to each other by the blood of Jesus, and the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.