Matthew 12:22-50
Q.1. How did the people respond to the exorcism of the blind and mute man? To whom did the Pharisees attribute this miracle? How did Jesus explain His actions? What did His signs prove? – (Mt.12:22-29)
The Jews knew that the Scriptures foretold that their Messiah was to be ‘the Son of David’. Consequently, the crowds wondered if that was Who Jesus was, following the healing of the demon possessed blind and mute man (Mt.12:22-23). However, the Pharisees who had the responsibility of identifying the Messiah, claimed that His power came from the devil – … This man casts out demons only by Beelzebul the ruler of the demons (Mt.12:24). Jesus pointed out the stupidity of their deductions – 25 … Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and any city or house divided against itself will not stand. 26 If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand? (Mt.12:25-26). He asserted that His power over demons confirmed His claims to be the Messiah – if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you (Mt.12:28). He then gave this principle and prophecy of how He would defeat Satan, declaring – how can anyone enter the strong man’s house and carry off his property, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house (Mt.12:29). He expected the leaders to recognise that His miraculous healings were evidence of His Messiahship.
Q.2. What makes a sin unforgivable? What makes a tree good? From where does true discernment come? What makes words so powerful? What speech will be condemned by God? – (Mt.12:30-37)
The opposition by the Pharisees confused and scattered the flock (Mt.12:30 c.f. Jn.10:12). God gave us minds that enable us to examine issues, so to genuinely question the credentials of the Son is permissible (Mt.12:32). However, as the Pharisees were custodians of the ‘faith once and for all delivered to the saints’, Jesus held them responsible to recognize the truth (c.f. Mt.23:29-35; Jude 1:3). What makes a sin unforgivable? They were rejecting the promptings of the Holy Spirit, Who was pointing them to Jesus as their Messiah. They were blaspheming against the Holy Spirit – the very One appointed by God to bring conviction of sin (c.f. Jn.16:7-11). Jesus declared that such sin is irredeemable – 31 “Therefore I say to you, any sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven people, but blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven. 32 Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come (Mt.12:31-32). Anyone who is concerned about his or her spiritual state, has clearly not committed an unforgivable sin, since the Holy Spirit is still at work. However, Jesus used the illustration of fruit trees to confirm the evil in their hearts, explaining that – a tree is known by its fruit (Mt.12:33 c.f. Mt.12:34-35). Our words have a powerful effect. They will either justify or condemn us (Mt.12:37). In fact – … every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment (Mt.12:36). We need to be always grateful that Jesus bore our sins in His body on the cross (1 Pet.2:24).
Q.3. How did Jesus apply the sign of Jonah to Himself? How should the Scribes and Pharisees have responded to Him? How should we respond to Christ’s parable that endorses true repentance? – (Mt.12:38-45)
Jesus had fulfilled all the prophecies relating to the coming of the Suffering Servant of the Lord, thus identifying Him to be the Messiah-Saviour (Isa.42:1–9; 49:1–13; 50:4–11; Isaiah 52:13—53:12). He refused the request from the Scribes and Pharisees for further signs (Mt.12:38). However, in grace He singled out the sign of Jonah the prophet, who was – three days and three nights in the belly of the sea monster (Mt.12:40). He applied this to Himself, stating – … so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth (Mt.12:40). This would provide permanent proof of His Messiahship, especially after His resurrection. Jesus then compared the repentance of the people of Nineveh, and also the Queen of Sheba’s efforts to hear the wisdom of Solomon, with their callousness. Yet – something greater than Jonah … than Solomon is here (Mt.12:41-42). Matthew was the only one to record this exchange between Jesus and the Jewish leaders, where Jesus referred to the miracle of Jonah. (Mt.12:38-42). Jesus’ illustration was understood, because the Jews believed that evil spirits wandered in deserts when not possessing people (Mt.12:43-45). He had addressed the practice of their exorcising evil spirits (Mt.12:27 c.f. Acts 19:13-16). Jesus pointed out the uselessness of casting out demons, unless they replaced the space in the liberated person with something infinitely better, lest – it goes and takes along with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there; and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first. That is the way it will also be with this evil generation (Mt.12:45). Jesus later went on to explain in the parable of the Sower, the importance of true repentance, and of a right understanding of the Gospel (Mt.13:20-22). Only those who hear the word and understand and believe it will bear fruit (Mt.13:23). Such understanding would not come to – this evil generation (Mt.12:45).
Q.4. Why were Jesus’ mother and brothers wanting to speak with Him? How does our relationship with Him eclipse all others? What is unique about true followers of Jesus? – (Mt.12:46-50 c.f. Mk.3:21)
Mark’s rendering of this story indicated that His brothers – thought He had lost His senses (Mk.3:21 c.f. Jn.7:5). Quite likely they were trying to stop Him from causing trouble for Himself. The host told Jesus – … Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside seeking to speak to You (Mt.12:47). The Lord made it clear that His family was not restricted to only His earthly family – 49 And stretching out His hand toward His disciples, He said, “Behold My mother and My brothers! 50 For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother.” (Mt.12:34-35). His real family is not a natural earthly one, but – whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven (Mt.12:50 c.f. Jn.1:12-13).