Strong Man (Yr B Proper 5) by Amma Susan
Like a scene in a modern-day paparazzi convergence, crowds are so completely engulfing Jesus and his disciples that they can’t even manage a meal together. His mother and siblings attempt to free him from the chaos; but it seems that Jesus doesn’t want to be saved by them. He coolly rejects their ‘offer’ of rescue.
Into the middle of this family drama, Mark inserts the surreal Parable of the Strong Man. I’ve oft been puzzled by this. What’s his purpose for the intrusion? What does ‘plundering the strong man’s house’ got to do with Jesus’ family coming to restrain him, amidst reports that “he has gone out of his mind?” (v. 21)