3:31–35 This episode is directly connected with the preceding one (3:20–30), as explained in the comments on that portion, and is also part of a larger section that includes the calling of the Twelve (3:13–19). The Twelve are introduced in 3:13–19, and in 3:20–35 they are contrasted with “teachers of the law” and with Jesus’ family. Although the disciples fail in many ways in later episodes, here they are presented as specially favored by Jesus for their willingness to follow him. As mentioned before, the disciples are major characters in Mark and what is said about them is both positive and negative. The reader is supposed to identify with the Twelve and is supposed to learn from what is said to them and about them the high privilege and duties of discipleship, on the one hand, and, on th…