Insiders and Outsiders in Mark 3:1-6

It’s interesting to observe the role that movement and spacial settings play in biblical texts and how the author uses these elements to get his point across. A good example of this is found in the story of the man with the withered hand in Mark 3:1-6. Note that there are two special settings in this story: (1) inside the synagogue and (2) outside the synagogue. Now observe the location and movement of the different characters with regard to these settings. At the beginning of the story Jesus is outside the synagogue, while the man with the withered hand as well as those who want to accuse Jesus are inside the synagogue.

Jesus man (hand withered)

opponents

But then Jesus enters the synagogue (v 1) and begins to interact both with the man and with those who are watching him. The results are quite different: while the man’s withered hand is healed, the hearts of Jesus’ opponents remain hardened. At the end of the story they (who are now identified as Pharisees) leave the synagogue, leaving behind Jesus and the man with the now restored hand.

Jesus opponents

man (hand restored)

So how do these movements in and out of the synagogue underscore the author’s point? As long as the man is inside with the opponents of Jesus his hand remains withered. The reason for this is their Sabbath theology: they are concerned about what is not allowed on the Sabbath and for them healing falls in that category. For this reason they regard Jesus as a Sabbath breaker and therefore as an outsider. But Jesus shows that the exact opposite is the case. When he enters the synagogue the man’s hand is healed. The reason for this is Jesus’ Sabbath theology: he is concerned about what is allowed on the Sabbath and for him restoring someone falls in that category. The opponents on the other hand are the real Sabbath breakers and therefore outsiders because they are not interested in restoration but instead plot how to kill Jesus on the Sabbath. Thus the movement of the characters highlights their true identity: Jesus, who is considered an outsider, is really an insider because he is a true Sabbath keeper who brings restoration and life to man. His opponents, who consider themselves insiders, are really outsiders because they are in reality Sabbath breakers who prevent man from being restored and are agents of death.

Homework

Take a look at the story in Mark 3:20-35. How does the author use the elements of movement and special settings to make his point in that story?