The ritualist demands the outward, the conventional, the ancient usage of the past. Christ says, "Be natural." The needs of man, whether of body or of soul, are greater than ceremonial restriction. Ceremonies are only expressions of life, and where life is wanting, they are meaningless and void.
The withered hand, Mark 3:1-6. Through long disuse of powers which God has given, but which we have refrained from exercising, degeneration may have set in; Christ, however, bids us exert them again. In so far as we dare to obey, we shall find ourselves able. Dare to speak, or pray, or work, not at the impulse of your nature, but at His bidding, and you will suddenly find yourself given power.
The Apostolate, Mark 2:7-19. On three occasions Christ used the boat as His pulpit, Mark 4:1; Luke 5:3. We must be disciples (learners), before we can be apostles (those sent). As the Father sent the Master, so the Master sends us. Our mission is threefold-to bear Him company, to perform His errands, and to cast out devils. What infinite variety in the apostolic band! The Boanergic group of four; the group of questioners who were sometimes doubters; and the group of practical men, whose business capacity was a snare at least to one. If there was a traitor even amid the Twelve, who can expect to find his fields free from tares? [source]
Chapter Summary: Mark 3
1Jesus heals the withered hand, 10and many other infirmities; 11rebukes the unclean spirit; 13chooses his twelve apostles; 22convinces the blasphemy of casting out demons by Beelzebub; 31and shows who are his brother, sister, and mother
Greek Commentary for Mark 3:16
Simon he surnamed Peter [επετηκεν ονομα τωι Σιμωνι Πετρον] The Greek idiom seems awkward, but it is not. Peter is in apposition with name or ονομα onoma (accusative). This surname Jesus gave in addition Here then is a direct reference to what is told in John 1:42 when Jesus met Simon for the first time. Mark here reflects Peter‘s own words. Luke (Luke 6:14) simply says “Whom he also surnamed Peter.” See note on Matthew 16:18 for the full explanation of the name Peter, a Rock, Cephas. [source]
And Simon he surnamed Peter [] Mark relates only his naming and not his appointment, leaving his appointment to be understood. [source]
Greek Commentary for Mark 3:16
The Greek idiom seems awkward, but it is not. Peter is in apposition with name or ονομα onoma (accusative). This surname Jesus gave in addition Here then is a direct reference to what is told in John 1:42 when Jesus met Simon for the first time. Mark here reflects Peter‘s own words. Luke (Luke 6:14) simply says “Whom he also surnamed Peter.” See note on Matthew 16:18 for the full explanation of the name Peter, a Rock, Cephas. [source]
Mark relates only his naming and not his appointment, leaving his appointment to be understood. [source]