Matthew 12:22-37

About the Text

(23) Why were the people so astonished at Jesus? Simply because He cured the incurable - a blind, mute, demon-possessed man. Those who cared for the man probably gave up hope in conventlonal medicine. The man, being demon-possessed, perhaps foamed at the mouth, displayed superhuman strength, or even levitated. He also could not talk nor see. Yet by the power of Jesus, the man was completely healed. The crowd was amazed and thought that perhaps Jesus could be the Messiah to save the world.

(24) Who is Beelzebub? This is the name of a pagan god worshipped by the Canaanites. It was believed that this deity was really a powerful demon. The Pharisees (a sect of Jews in Jesus' day) accused Jesus of being on the side of demons, even after witnessing a wonderful divine miracle.

(25) Why did Jesus speak of a "house divided"? Jesus was demonstrating that his miracle was truly of God, not of Satan. Satan would never perform such a miracle, Jesus argued, because he'd be working against himself.
Then, Jesus points out their "double standard." They claim that when Jesus heals, it proves He is demonic. But when they heal, it proves they are godly. The Pharisees' thdding was full of fallacy and inconsistency.

(29) Who is the "strong man" that Jesus is referring to? Mthough a few scholars believe he
is speaking of Himself, most scholars believe He is speaking of Satan. Satan is the "strong man" that Jesus ties up, in order to rescue us.

(31-32) What is the "blasphemy against the Holy Spirit" and why won't God forgive this one sin?
This is the permanent and determined mockery of God, even after witnessing powerful acts that are unmistakably of the Holy Spirit. It is the permanent refusal to believe. Such unbelievers are doomed to eternal punishment in hell, with no hope of forgiveness from God.
Jesus knew the hearts of those who blasphemed, who said, "It is by Beelzebub... that this fellow drives out demons." Jesus knew that they would never ever repent and turn to Him. They committed the "unforgivable sin."
Speaking out against God out of weakness and ignorance, however, is forgivable. The apostle Paul, for example, blasphemed God (see 1 Tim. 1:13), but was later forgiven when he turned to follow Jesus. Therefore, if you are now a believer, you have not committed the "unforgivable sin," even if you uttered the harshest insults to God at one time.
It is common for some Christians to feel that they have committed the "unforgivable sin," especially when they feel great guilt. But we must be clear that what Jesus is speaking of is the total hopelessness of those who deny Christ throughout their lives up until the day they die. This kind of lifelong denial is the ultimate insult to God.

Memory Verses

For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. (Matthew 12:34b)

Insights

• Jesus exposes our hearts by listening to our words.

The Bottom Line

Check your words, especially those you say in private or to your friends. Who are you, really? What do you say when no one's looking? What do you say about Jesus?
Those who believe in Jesus Christ are not afraid to speak about Him in public. For Christ's greatest miracle is to suffer and die on a cross, and rising from the dead, to give eternal life and forgiveness to those who believe. Those who understand and believe in this great act of divine love cannot help but to shout words of praise to Jesus.