Attacked With False Accusation Series

Attacked with False Accusation

Mark 3: 22-30

Have you ever been falsely accused? Maybe you have been maliciously attacked while seeking to do a good deed for someone else. Likely we all have dealt with situations where our actions or motives have been misrepresented, and we were unnecessarily accused or attacked.

As we continue in our study of Mark’s Gospel, these attacks were relentless against Jesus. While many were excited about His presence, standing in awe of His power and authority, others felt intimidated and even threatened by Jesus. The scribes and Pharisees sought any available opportunity to accuse Jesus, in an effort to minimize His influence and tarnish His credibility. While these accusations were completely without merit, they continued to assault Jesus.

Like Jesus, those who follow Him will eventually come under attack. These attacks are often unprovoked and unwarranted, but we must endure them. The enemy will do anything within his power to hinder and discourage believers. Let’s examine the lessons revealed in the text as we consider the thought: Attacked with False Accusation.

I. The Accusation of the Scribes (22) – And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils. Mark records yet another accusation brought unjustly against Jesus. Notice:

A. The Association Suspected – And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub. As you study Scripture, you discover amazing accounts recorded regarding humanity. The utter depravity of man cannot be argued if one takes the time to consider what the Bible reveals. These men were scribes, those trusted with transcribing the Scripture, literally making copies for others to read. If anyone should have known the Word, and the prophecies surrounding the coming of Christ, these men should. Here we find that they have openly accused working under the authority of Beelzebub. The names refers to “the lord of flies or the lord of filth; the dung-god.” Beelzebub was believed to be a wicked demon, associated with flies and filth, utter depravity.

Being completely unable to explain away the power and authority Jesus had shown, they mercilessly accuse Him of being under the direction and influence of the devil. The Son of God is accused of demon possession and working through Satan’s power by those who knew the Scripture. If they admitted Jesus was working through the power of God, they would have been obligated to follow Him. They would have to admit their approach to righteousness was lacking. They would have had to confess Jesus was in fact the Christ. They are unwilling to relinquish their power and way of life, so they are determined to find any means possible to accuse Jesus.

Unfortunately such activity continues today. Many have witnessed the power and presence of the Lord. They cannot deny that He brings about transformation in the lives of those who experience salvation. The evidence is undeniable that Jesus is who He claimed to be, and yet they refuse to believe. In order to justify their unbelief and rejection, they bring accusation against the Lord and His church.

B. The Assumption Made (22) – And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils. These had fabricated a preposterous lie, but their lie provided a means of escape from the reality of Jesus. They forced themselves to believe that Jesus was actually casting out devils and working these mighty miracles through the power of Satan. If others would believe their accusation, they could convince them to abandon following the Lord and minimize His influence.

We’ve all heard the saying – misery loves company. These were committed to discrediting Jesus’ ministry and they wanted to influence others to become skeptical as well. The devil is always at work, seeking to minimize the church’s influence while silencing our witness. Often those who do his bidding bring preposterous accusations, and the world embraces these lies as truth. The church is no longer viewed positively by the majority in America. This negative perception has evolved from years of lies and deception being spread by the enemy.

II. The Admonition of Jesus (23-30) – As we continue in our study, Mark recorded Jesus’ public rebuke of the scribes regarding their blasphemous accusation. Consider:

A. The Challenge (23) – And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan? Jesus challenged their accusation with common sense and reason. How can Satan cast out Satan? Why would he do such a thing if he could? Jesus argued their accusation was without merit. First of all, they had no right to falsely accuse Him; and secondly, their accusation made no sense. Why would Satan oppose himself?