* Jesus gathers extensive crowds due to his ministry
* Jesus is opposed by
-hometown: "He has lost his senses." (v. 21)
-scribes from Jerusalem: "He has an unclean spirit" (vv. 22, 30)* Jesus responds in parables
-Why? Forces them to think and respond to the truth* Jesus is recognized by his opponents as having power to cast out demons (v. 22)
-They didn't dispute his power--they challenged its source* Jesus is plundering the "strong man's house"--people are being set free from demonic control.
