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Mark sets the Beelzebub controversy within the two-part story of Jesus' family. These episodes interpret one another, raising the inseparable questions of Jesus' identity and the nature of his followers.
Jesus was popular with the crowd, but his behavior broke acceptable conventions so that his family regarded him as mentally deranged.
For their part, the teachers of the law accuse him of having an evil spirit and of being in collusion with Beelzebub. In response, Jesus plays on the incredulity of the phrase His end has come: He cannot be in league with Satan, for this would be self-defeating for Satan; Satan would be rendered impotent. Moreover, one who is possessed (the lesser) cannot conquer his or her possessor (the greater). In fact, Jesus claims that his ministry is one of tying up the strong man and robbing his house. The teachers of the law, in rejecting the work of Jesus as demonic activity (3:30), deny the power and work of the Holy Spirit (see 1:10).
After Jesus' family arrives, one notes the unmistakable contrast between those who are outside (vv.31-32) and those who are inside, or sitting around him (vv.32, 34). Clearly, Jesus' family embraces his disciples, but the whoever of v.35 extends the family circle to include obedient persons in every generation.