Mark 3:20

“And the multitude coming together again, etc..] Either the multitude that were about the door of this house; insomuch that there was no room about, nor any coming near it, (<410202>Mark 2:2), or the multitude that came from different parts, and had thronged about him at the sea side, before he went up into the mountain: these understanding that he was come down from thence, and was returned to Capernaum, and was at Simon's house, flocked thither, in great numbers, to see his person, hear his doctrines, and observe his miracles; so that they could not so much as eat bread; the press was so great, and their importunities so urgent, either to hear him preach, or have their sick healed, that…”

“They could not so much as eat bread - Their time and attention were so occupied that they were obliged to forego their regular meals. The affairs of religion may so occupy the attention of ministers and others as to prevent their engaging in their customary pursuits. Religion is all-important - far more important than the ordinary business of this life; and there is nothing unreasonable if our temporal affairs sometimes give way to the higher interests of our own souls and the souls of others. At the same time, it is true that religion is ordinarily consistent with a close attention to worldly business. It promotes industry, economy, order, neatness, and punctuality - all indispensable to…”

“To eat bread - That is, to take any subsistence. Mark 3:21”

“3:20-35 This story about Jesus and his family (3:20-21 and 31-35) brackets a controversy story about Jesus’ exorcisms (3:22-30); this arrangement identifies Jesus’ family with the religious leaders in opposing him. 3:20 That Jesus and the disciples can’t find time to eat emphasizes Jesus’ great popularity with the crowds (3:7-9).”

“so that: Mar 3:9, Mar 6:31; Luk 6:17; Joh 4:31-34 Mark 3:21”