A day late:

What do you notice about the different reactions to Jesus from the people around Him in this chapter?

There are a variety of reactions. Some of people present were just looking for a reason to accuse Jesus of doing something wrong, other people who were part of the large crowd, follow him and wanted to know more to the point where he literally had to get on a small boat to avoid being overcrowded.

Hi! A day late but i did find this confusing yesterday and even today. Jesus ordained the twelve to cast out demons and heal the sick but i dont understand why. Unless Jesus realized that the abundance of people would harm him in some fashion. ... not sure, still stewing on this

Jesus's teaches us it is ok to good on the sabbath days.

Jesus is aware the crowds are gathering around him for healing, he responds by ordaining his twelve disciples to have authority to heal, cast out devils, and preach.

It stands out to me that jesu's twelve disciples were not priests rather were men of various educational and vocational backgrounds.

Jesus was angered at the hardness of the pharisees and herodians hearts for sticking with the tradition of the sabbath rather than doing good someone in need.

Jesus responds to the accusations made of him being called the prince of devils by saying "How can satan cast out satan? And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand." meaning why would the bad try to take out the bad, it would just hurt the bad more.

I understand the last question to be that Jesus taught those who do the will of God are a children of God therefore family.

• How does Jesus respond to the accusations made against Him, and what stands out to you about His response? Jesus uses parables to explain the accusations against him. This passage I find a bit confusing.

• Healing on the sabbath and how Jesus questioning the Pharisees before he healed the man’s hand shows how Jesus was trying to impress what was important in God’s eyes.

• What does Jesus’ healing on the Sabbath teach us about the purpose of the Sabbath? God created the Sabbath as a gift and as a blessing. Jesus teaches us that when he healed the man with the withered hand by showing mercy and by bringing restoration.

Did the vast majority of the crowds really want to know more about this man called Jesus or were they just their for their entertainment. I also wonder how that transfers to today. How many people are just wanting to be entertained and not allowing the Holy Spirit to change them?

What do you think Jesus was teaching when He described those who do God’s will as His family?

For those of us who believe in Christ and do God's will, have a spiritual bond that is stronger than those of our biological ties. It doesn't matter what a persons social ties are or who their own biological family is. We will always have brothers and sisters in Christ because of our spiritual bond.