Matthew 12

Audio/Video podcast covering Matthew 12:
Audio Part 1: https://soundcloud.com/walking-as-christ/matthew-12-pt-1-the-body-1
Audio Part 2: https://soundcloud.com/walking-as-christ/matthew-12-pt-2-the-body
Audio Part 3: https://soundcloud.com/walking-as-christ/matthew-12-pt-3-the-body
Audio Part 4: https://soundcloud.com/walking-as-christ/matthew-12-pt-4-the-body
Audio Part 5: https://soundcloud.com/walking-as-christ/matthew-12-pt-5-the-body

Video Part 1: https://youtu.be/GzxLuE6DvPE
Video Part 2: https://youtu.be/9IE7cUBToOg
Video Part 3: https://youtu.be/LVrg_Ky9J2k
Video Part 4: https://youtu.be/S1uA4Phk050
Video Part 5: https://youtu.be/KZA6Vpiamio

At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn and to eat. But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day.

Jesus and His disciples were traveling through grain fields on the sabbath day. His disciples were hungry and began to take the heads of grain and to eat them.

Deuteronomy 23:25 “When thou comest into the standing corn of thy neighbour, then thou mayest pluck the ears with thine hand; but thou shalt not move a sickle unto thy neighbour’s standing corn.”

We see here that the disciples were not doing a wrong thing by taking grain to eat with their hands that was not theirs, the Lord had already made provision for this very act in His law.
It is okay to eat the grain of the neighbor when hungry, but it is not okay to harvest the grain and carry it off with you.

The Pharisees or keepers of the law took issue with the fact that the disciples of Jesus were doing manual labor/working on the sabbath day, which the law of God strictly prohibits.

The fourth of the ten commandments is to:
Exodus 20:8-11
“8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: 10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: 11 For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.”

In the book of Numbers chapter 15 a man was stoned to death for picking up sticks on the sabbath day because it was understood that the man willfully and defiantly went against the commandment of God and did not break the law of restriction regarding working out of ignorance(not knowing it was wrong).   

 

These Pharisees likely understand that Jesus knows that men are not to work on the sabbath day and because they are His disciples they should know not to work on the sabbath day as well. These keepers of the law at this point probably understand that Jesus is allowing His disciples to wilfully break God’s law and that alone can call for capital punishment. The Word of God implies that the Pharisees were astonished and angry that this wrong was happening.

3 But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him; How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests?

The Showbread was to be eaten only by the priest. It was unlawful for anyone else to eat the showbread. It is in 1 Samuel chapter 21 where David was hungry and the showbread was given to him to eat. This made it clear that it is not an offence to God to feed a man even the special Holy Showbread if he is hungry and possibly in danger of death by starvation.

Jesus questions the Pharisees, asking if they did not read this part of the Word. Here these men are questioning the Son of God, but not calling to memory and reasoning within themselves the provisions that the Lord had made in the past.

As we learned before, Love thinks no evil. If we go forward in this life giving people(especially our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ) the benefit of the doubt and not thinking they are doing something wrong or evil before we understand and evaluate all the facts we will be much better off and living in a way much more pleasing to God. It is not a sign of Love, Mercy, Meekness, or Humbleness to accuse before understanding the facts. It is not an expression of Wisdom to make a judgement/accusation before understanding all the facts.
Proverbs 18:13 “He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.”

Let us take note and walk in Wisdom and Prudence, understanding the ways, Word, and teaching of God and Jesus Christ before we speak. If we do not know something it is better for us to stay quiet and learn the facts(seeking wisdom on the matter) before speaking. Let us be encouraged to not speak anything or make any types of accusations without being led by the Holy Spirit of God to do so.
Proverbs 10:19 “..he that refraineth his lips is wise.”

When David was in distress because of his hunger it was permitted for him to eat the showbread that was reserved for the priest only and unlawful for any other person to consume. Likewise Jesus is making it understood that it is permitted for His disciples when hungry to pluck, rub, and eat a few heads of grain even though it is the sabbath day.

5 Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless?

 

In the Book of Numbers chapter 28 verse 9 we see that God directed Moses to command the children of Israel to make a double offering which required a lot of work by the priest every sabbath morning. Also, consider how circumcision was to be done on the eight day for all men born of the children of Israel. If the eighth day was on the sabbath day the circumcision still needed to be done and performed by the priest. God made the commandments for these things to be done, so those who were instructed to do them, needed to, and were innocent/blameless for their actions.

*Jesus came from God the Father teaching man the ways of God more perfectly. He here helps us to understand that there is provision in the law when there is a genuine human need.

 

6 But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple.

 

The body of the Son of God Jesus Christ was the Highest temple of God, so His disciples who ministered to Him were entitled to at least the same rights/privilege as the priest of the temple.
The temple, and the service/duties of it, excused the priests from blame concerning doing things which could be considered as work on the sabbath day.

Much more might the presence of Jesus Christ the Son of God, who was greater than the temple, excuse His disciples from blame in this action of rubbing and eating the heads of grain on the sabbath day.

The disciples did this to satisfy hunger, and to make them the more capable of performing their ministerial function; which was of more importance than the service of the priests.

 

7 But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.
Hosea 6:6 “For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.”
Mercy is all throughout God’s Word from the book of Genesis to the Book of Revelation. The Lord has offered Mercy and Grace to the people offering many chances at Repentance from sins and instruction in His perfect way.
The Lord is not seeking only literal adherence to His laws. His relationship with mankind is Mercy. He is full of compassion, lifting up the fallen.
Jesus charges the Pharisees that if they would have known what Hosea 6:6 meant, they would have not condemned His disciples who are guilty of nothing.

 

8 For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day.
Jesus Christ is Lord/Master even over the Sabbath day.

 

9 And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue:
10 And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him.

On another Sabbath day Jesus went into the Synagogue and there was a man whose hand was  withered(dried up, the nerves in his hand were contracted so it was of no use to him). This man likey got hurt on the job using his hand and now because his hand is rendered useless, he probably has no other way to feed himself and his family if he has one. Imagine having two hands all your life then because of some unforeseen circumstance you lose the ability to control your right hand and it becomes useless. This could change the course of your life and would likely be a VERY big deal for you.

Jesus, the Son of God understands the severity of the situation but the people inquire of Him;
“Is it lawful(permissible by the Law of God) to heal on the sabbath days?”
The Word of God is very clear that the people asked Jesus this question to have an Accusation or claim of Wrongdoing against Jesus.
(likely the thoughts of the people)***This man Jesus of Nazareth is claiming to come from God, is doing all manner of miracles, and teaching the ways of God; will He now break the sabbath day to heal a man in need or will He keep the law as they understand it and wait until another day to heal this man in need?


11 And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out?

Jesus now presents them with a question; not specifically about the law, but instead about Humanity.  Jesus ask them if they had only one sheep and it fell into a pit or large whole on the sabbath day would they not grab it and pull it out?
Would they leave their only sheep in possible danger of death because of what they understand to be the law of the sabbath day???

 

12 How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.

Jesus after this appeal to conscience about possibly leaving their only sheep to die because of what they understand to be the law of the sabbath day, then makes it clear that it is lawful to do well/good on the sabbath days. It is not evil or against God to do a “Necessary Good thing” on the sabbath day.

Jesus at this time was walking the earth, as we know; once He was crucified, buried, and then rose again and ascended back into Heaven, God then sent the converted followers of Jesus Christ the “Comforter” and guide of the Holy Spirit. Here the people seemingly needed to have every scenario about the Law of God explained in great detail, this is what we can understand the pharisees spent much of their time coming up with and instructing the people.

Today, we have the Law of God, the example and teaching of Jesus Christ, and the precious gift of the Holy Spirit of God(which is Jesus Christ with us) helping us to understand God’s will in every scenario. As a standard understanding among the Body of Christ,  it is good for us Born Again believers to be careful not to do any “servile” work on the Sabbath day which is the 7th day of the week. This is 1 of the 10 commandments of God and was never changed. The Lord has Blessed us with a day of rest from our normal every day work and we as His people should Joyfully rest as He also rested on the 7th day. (Look at calendar, what is the 7th day? Sunday? No. The 7th day per the calendar and early Christian history is Saturday).  

With that being said; as we continue to learn the written Word of God and become more strengthened by His Holy Spirit; He will guide us into all Truth about what is God’s Will and what is not His will even regarding the sabbath day and the many different circumstances that can arise. Let us learn from this Word and be careful not to Judge others regarding the sabbath days. Let us be Holy Spirit Led in All that we; Do, Say, and Think.

 

13 Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other.

After Jesus presented the people with the convicting illustration, He directs the man with the withered hand to stretch it forth and the man did so, having Faith in Jesus despite the accusation of the religious leaders and his hand was Restored/brought back to life just as his other hand. The hand which hand no life was restored through the healing power of the Lord!

14 Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him.

These Pharisees who were well learned in the law of God and likely had a zeal for God in their hearts, did not receive the Example Jesus gave about compassion for humanity even on the sabbath day, nor did they appreciate the miracle done by Him on the sabbath day restoring the man’s hand. The Pharisees then left the synagogue filled with madness and went to conspire/develop a secret plan to destroy Jesus Christ.  
*People with religious office plotting to destroy the Son of God…
Similarly Paul the Apostle of the Lord before He was converted was persecuting the church of Christ. He was zealous for God, but was actually against Him in his mission to persecute his people.


15 But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all;

Jesus knowing the intentions of the Pharisees left the synagogue and city where he was because the time had not yet come for Him to suffer and die for the sins of all humanity. Masses of people followed Jesus and He healed them all. Though the Pharisees clearly wanted Jesus destroyed, many of the common people followed Jesus and sought healing.  

16 And charged them that they should not make him known:
17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,
18 Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.
19 He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets.
20 A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.
21 And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.

As the multitudes of people came and followed Jesus and were healed of Him, He charged them not to make Him known so that Isaiah 42:1-4 may be fulfilled:
Isaiah 42: 1 – 4
“Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. 2 He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. 3 A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. 4 He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.”
*The Words in the Gospel of Matthew do not exactly match the Words in Isaiah because the Gospel of Matthew was citing the scripture from the Hebrew and largely paraphrased it.

•God the Father here speaking to the church refers to Jesus as His Servant whom He has chosen.

• God the Father speaks of Jesus calling Him His Beloved whom His Soul is Well Pleased which the Lord spake of Him also in Matthew chapter 3 when He was baptized of John the Baptist.
• God the Father says how He will put His Spirit upon Jesus which occured in Matthew chapter 3 verse 16 where the Spirit of God descended upon Jesus like a dove(also at His baptism).
• God the Father declares that Jesus will show Judgement to the Gentiles, not the Judgement of the Last Day, but the Gospel which brings about the; opportunity at salvation, the Righteous process by which God justifies sinners, the righteousness of the Son Jesus Christ, and teaches men to live Soberly, Righteously, and Holy. Jesus showed these things to the; “Heathens”, the Idumeans, and people of Tyre and Sidon = Showing Judgement to the Gentiles.
  
  •God the Father foretells how Jesus would not Stive nor Cry. This is to say how He would not carry on a controversy at great length/Bricker/Dispute. Instead of Crying Aloud in complaint of an injustice He suffers, He will instead Suffer the Wrong.
  
  •No man shall hear the voice of Jesus in the streets meaning; that Jesus was not seeking honor from this world, popular applause, or to be seen of men.
  
  •A bruised reed shall he not break; consider the reed as a tall thin grass that grows in a wet area, now imagine that reed battered or bruised, very delicate, just one rough touch will break it.
  As one would need to deal very tenderly with a bruised reed and not break it, so shall our Lord deal with all humanity.
• Smoking flax shall he not quench; consider the wick of a candle inside of a lamp which has just been lit. It is so small, seeming ready to go out, having very little light which makes it smoke, but in the hands of our Lord the flame will not go out or be quenched.
• God the Father foretells how Jesus Christ the Son of God will not allow the reed to break or the flame to be quenched until he sends forth Judgement unto Victory! Until He sends forth the Gospel into their hearts which equips all who receive it to be victorious. This tender compassion of the Lord shall reach all nations of the whole world until the time of Final Judgement and then the Truth will at last prevail.
  
  •In his name shall the Gentiles trust; in the Gospel that Christ came to administer shall the Nations Trust.  The Gospel would be preached in the gentile world, upon the main land and the far off Islands whereby many have been brought to Hope and Faith in Christ as their Saviour and Redeemer.
  
  22 Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw.
  
  This person that was brought to Jesus was blind and dumb because of his/her being possessed with a devil. The enemy took away the persons sight and speech, but when brought to Jesus, He was healed. The healing by Jesus Christ restored the persons speech and sight.
  

23 And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David?

Wondering in amazement at this miracle done by Jesus, the people questioned; “could this be the Son of David(the Messiah)???” For the people to question if Jesus is the Son of David implies that they knew the person doing these miracles was more than a mere man, He must be the Messiah.

Isaiah 9:2 – 7 speaks to how the Messiah would be a descendant of King David:
“2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
3 Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.
4 For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian.
5 For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire.
6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.”

 

24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.

Seemingly filled with Malice and Envy, the Pharisees make the claim that; it is only by Beelzebul(satan) the prince(chief/head) of the demons that Jesus cast out demons. The Pharisees likely made this claim with the intent of preventing the people from believing in Jesus and following Him. They denied Him the Glory of the miracle and proclaimed that Jesus could only do the miracle through confederacy(union) with the enemy.

 

25 And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:

Not only were the words of the Pharisees heard, but even the thoughts of their hearts were known to Jesus. So Jesus says to them how; every Kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation or ruin.
*When a government is in disagreement between the chiefs of it and the body of people as well one part opposed to another and civil war arises, the establishment can not continue in any comfortable situation or flourishing state. As the infighting continues the land is brought to nothing. This has occurred numerous times throughout history proving that when a Kingdom is Divided, devastation is soon to come.

If the heads of families constantly argue and disagree and divide from one another, the end or dissolution of the whole family will likely soon follow.
“Every house, in which there is a division, at the end shall come to desolation.”

26 And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?

27 And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges.

Jesus here poses the question; if satan(Beelzebub) the prince(chief/head) of the demons is casting out devils/demons of the which he is the leader, HE IS DIVIDED AGAINST HIMSELF!
As the president of a country fighting against his citizens and the head of a family fighting against his family members the same would be for satan casting out his demons.  The works that Jesus was doing were detective of satan’s kingdom, for Him to be casting out devils through satan would be incredibly absurd.
*The unity and agreement among one another can be the greatest strength of any group. The unsettled division among any group can be its greatest weakness and open the door to the destruction of it.

Since the Pharisees foolishly made this claim that Jesus cast out devils through beelzebub prince of the devils, He ask them; by whom do your children cast them out? By whom will the disciples of the Pharisees or next generation of Pharisees cast out devils?
Jesus here implies that the Pharisees will say that their children/disciples/next generation will cast out devils by God’s help. Jesus exposes that they acknowledge that they work miracles by God’s help but do not acknowledge that He, Jesus does. The Pharisees should also acknowledge that Jesus too cast out devils by God’s help. Because they have not admitted this truth, the children/disciples/next generation of the Pharisees will be their judges convicting them of their insincerity.


28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.

Jesus now has made it perfectly clear that He indeed is working these miracles of casting out devils by the Spirit of God/by God’s help, and that the pharisees should now clearly understand so through His explanations and heart opening questions.
Jesus the Christ then proclaims; “then the Kingdom of God is come unto you.”
He, Himself is the Messiah(the one prophesied of in the past time to that was to come, be King,  and deliver the Hebrew people). His Kingdom declared through the Gospel that Himself and John the baptist both preached has come unto them. The performing of miracles, casting out satan, which weakened the kingdom of satan was clear proof that the Kingdom of God is here.

 

29 Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.

The strong man is a reference to satan. The goods of satan are those he has affected. The one who binds the strong man is Jesus Christ. This parable is given by Jesus to the Pharisees reinforcing the fact that the Kingdom of God has come upon them.

Let us consider Isaiah 49:25 – “But thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.”

This entire dialogue stemmed from Jesus healing a person that was possessed with a devil, blind and dumb. This miracle of the Lord done through Jesus Christ, cast out the demons in the person and brought back his speech and sight. Jesus is who was sent by the Lord to deliver the Prey of the terrible. Jesus is who was sent by God to die on the cross for the sins of all humanity so that we all may be saved! Jesus spoils the house of satan by taking bodies and souls out of his possession. #Hallelujah!
The Lord awakens the conscience of humanity, enlightening our minds, and subdues/takes control of our will, giving us the principles of Grace and Holiness making us the habitation of the Lord which ruins it all for the devil.
The end for the enemy has already been confirmed; he will be shut up in prison for 1000 years and later cast into the lake of fire and brimstone with the beast and false prophet being tormented day and night forever and ever.
*Victory is on the side of the Lord and He has the upper hand over the enemy.
-We too have Power over the enemy through Christ Jesus!
Luke 10:19 Jesus speaking to His followers whom we are, said; “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”
You are no longer bound by the power of the enemy!
You now through Christ Jesus have power over him.

 

30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.

Jesus here continues reinforcing the fact the He and satan are on opposite sides.
Jesus does not cast out devils through the enemy, but instead He cast out devils through the power from the Lord.

The enemy is not on the side of the Lord. The enemy is on the opposing side. devils and demons work in agreement with satan(Beelzebub) the prince(chief/head) of the demons and Jesus Christ is working on the side of God in Heaven! The side of Christ is the side of Light and the side of the enemy is the side of Darkness.
To NOT be on the side of Jesus Christ, is to be AGAINST Jesus Christ.
-Always be on the side of the Lord.
-One not with Jesus(on His team) is against Him.

There is no neutral zone, no half way, no straddling the fence.
This is the same Jesus that says;
“Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”
The same Jesus that says;
“..whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.”
Our Lord does not accept halfheartness.
Our Lord expects all that are His to be ALL IN.
If a person is not with Him, that person is against Him.


The enemy is like a roaring lion, walking around seeking whom he may devour. he is not gathering the lost sheep like the Lord Jesus Christ does, instead the enemy catches the sheep with the with intention to ruin and destroy. he wants to scatter abroad all those whom the Lord intends to gather.  Jesus gathers the Lost sheep(all of humanity) leading us to; Repentance, Faith in the sacrifice of His life, Reconciliation with God through the Forgiveness of sins, unto the Kingdom of Heaven while on Earth(the church of God and Jesus Christ/the Body of Christ) and ultimately to the Eternal Kingdom in Heaven.
-Jesus is leading to Light and Life, the enemy is leading to darkness, doom, and destruction.

31 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.

Here we see the Love of God and His Earnestness(how He is serious and sincere : not lighthearted or playful) in the same verse.
God is willing to Forgive ALL sins and ALL blasphemies/evil speaking of men, or of angels, or of the name of God EXCEPT the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost.
We see here how the Pharisees we in dangerous territory by ascribing the miracle done through the Power from God to the enemy/beelzebub. We understand that they witnessed the person who was blind and dumb be delivered from the power of satan through the power of the Holy Spirit but then claimed that the Son of God cast out devils through beelzebub the prince of the devils.
Jesus issues this warning letting the people know that God is willing and Ready to forgive all sin and blasphemies for those who confess their sin seeking forgiveness from God through faith in Jesus Christ, BUT there is no forgiveness for the transgression of blaspheming the Holy Ghost.

The Love of God is waiting with outstretched arms for all humanity to forsake their sins and come to Him and receive eternal life. God is so serious about reconciling with humanity that He will forgive all sins and blasphemies, EXCEPT the blasphemy of the Holy Ghost.
-Never deny the Spirit of God.
-The person being healed was clear proof that the power of Jesus is Divine, the pharisees then took that proof and credited it to the enemy.

 

32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.

Some people in this time past spake in reference to Jesus Christ in a low degree out of ignorance. Some would refer to Jesus as if He were a mere man, some would speak evil of Him, others would question His education or knowledge of the law. The people had the Son of God among them, but in many instances spoke against Him, not really knowing who they were dealing with.

Jesus makes it clear here that if a person speaks against Him(the Son of Man), through the Grace of God the error shall be forgiven. Remember; Jesus is Emmanuel(God with us). Jesus is the Lamb that was slain for all the sins of the world. Through His Blood we may receive forgiveness of God. The Love of God is SO Great, that if a person has spoken against Him(Jesus Christ the Son of God the Worthy Lamb of God) that it may be forgiven.

BUT if one speaks against the Holy Ghost, that person shall NOT receive forgiveness now or in the life to come! To speak against the Holy Ghost is to wilfully, maliciously, and obstinately oppose the Spirit of God. One who has this opposition to the Spirit of God in their heart likely suffers from unbelief and has a mind that is reprobate/morally corrupt and according to the Words of Jesus Christ shall not be forgiven/will remain with sin in the eyes of God and because they have never been forgiven they will have their part in the lake of fire to suffer eternally.
-No forgiveness in this life OR in the eternal life to come for those that speak against the Holy Ghost.

***Remember how the Apostle Paul spoke and worked against the church of Christ?
In his own words, he was a; “Blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious:”
BUT the Apostle Paul was doing these things against the church of Christ because he thought it was the will of God. As he was on his way to persecute the Church of Christ, the Spirit of the Lord shined around him and he humbled himself and yield to the Spirit. From that time forward he began following Jesus Christ.
Once coming to the realization of the Holy Ghost, the called of God will receive
the Truth, Humble themselves, and follow the direction.
For those that come to the realization of the Holy Ghost but then continue to oppose Him/speak against Him, there is no forgiveness.
-The Pharisees have been fairly warned.

 

 

33 Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.

Again, the Lord Jesus Christ speaking in Absolute terms. There is no neutrality, no neutral zone.
If casting out demons is a good work, then the power from which it flows(Jesus Christ) must be good also. Works of that kind are not done through a corrupt source.
If the fruit is Good, then the Tree is Good.
If the fruit is Corrupt/Bad, then the Tree is Corrupt/Bad.
We know a Tree by the quality of its fruit.
We know those that are called of God by the life they live.
We ought not Judge one by a single action they have done, but the fruit of a person is the testimony they have lived since becoming Born Again. The called of God will live a testimony of Faith and Good works. Those that are corrupt will likewise prove so through their unbelief and corrupt works.
-Let us be mindful of this Word day by Day. As born again believers in Jesus Christ, it is our job to share the gospel of Jesus Christ among this world and to live as He lived. Let us be careful not to proclaim the Faith in Christ but deny Him through the life that we actually live. Let us be sure to match our faith with our works. Far too long, Christians have had a reputation of hypocrisy. Preaching Jesus but then living the works of the enemy. Let a new chapter begin for the called of God. Let us consider everything we do and say closely being sure that we are being led by the Spirit of God and not by the flesh. Let us be careful to be representatives of Jesus Christ wherever the Lord allows us to go, bringing Glory to Him through Faith and the life that we live proving it.  

 

34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

Jesus calls the Pharisees the offspring of snakes! Remember satan came as a snake to Eve in the garden when he beguiled her. Jesus is likely calling the Pharisees a generation of vipers because of statement they made attributing the miracle done by Him through the power of the Lord to the enemy. The Lord is still speaking on this point showing how very serious it is in the sight of the God. We can see how what the Pharisees said revealed what is really in their hearts, so they are hearing severe reproof from the Son of God regarding it.

One should not expect an evil person to speak good things. As one continues to speak the heart of the person is revealed.

Proverbs 18:7 “A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.”

“The heart is the fountain, words are the streams. A troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring, must send forth muddy and unpleasant streams.” -Matthew Henry Commentary

-Want to know the heart of a person? Just let them talk. The Truth will soon be made clear.  

 

35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

A “Good man” can be understood as a Born Again believer in Jesus Christ.
The Good “Treasure of the Heart” can be understood as the Holy Spirit within Him.
Now that we are Born Again/Made New/Regenerated by the Grace of God, we should all have the Holy Spirit dwelling in us. It is through the Holy Spirit(God with us/Jesus Christ in us/the Spirit of Truth) in us that we bring forth Good things. The Holy Spirit to the follower of Jesus Christ, should be considered as a Treasure.  

An evil man is one that is not Born Again, a man who is still under the influence of the enemy and because of this continues to bring forth evil fruit.

 

36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

Brethren! Please receive this; we will need to answer for even our Light/Vain conversation before the Lord on Judgement Day. Consider that every idle word and unprofitable thing that we speak is being recorded in Heaven. Many times we can be with friends or family and say things that we do not sincerely mean or we would not say if Jesus Christ was sitting next to us in the flesh. Let us take this Word with High importance and begin to be careful with each and every word we allow to come out of our mouths. Let us delete foolish speaking from our conversations, let us delete every corrupt word in our vocabulary that does not bring Glory to God. Let us remember that we are not our own, but instead we are the Lords. Let us be mindful that we should not be using our mouth to fulfill whatever desires we have, but on the contrary we should be using our mouths to edify one another and bring Glory to our Lord.

 

***Heaven is keeping record!
-Continue to keep that on your mind before you allow your mouth to speak.

Again we see Jesus exposing the error of the Pharisees. Maybe they did not think their statement through very clearly before saying that Jesus is casting out devils through Beelzebub. Maybe they just spoke without giving what they intend to say a second thought. If they did not know before, now they know that even of their idle words they will need to answer for on the Day of Judgement. By their words they can be Justified, likewise by their words they can be condemned.

 

Let us keep constant watch over ourselves, that we may speak words agreeable to Christ like character.

Romans 3:28 “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.”

James 2:24 “Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.”

Matthew 12:37 “For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.”

Faith + Works + Words = Man is Justified
These 3 alike are elements of a person’s character, making or showing what/who he really is.

A person who has proclaimed their Faith in Jesus Christ, speaks the Words of the Lord, and keeps away from corrupt speech against the Lord shall be justified by their words. One who speaks against the Lord, proclaims not to have faith in Jesus Christ, and continues in corrupt speech shall be condemned by their very own words.

If your faith is low, works are minimal, and words are often wrong, do not give up we still have a short time left in these last days to get it right with the help of the Lord.
Thank God for the Good counsel of His Holy Word to help perfect us in His ways. Receive this Word with an open Heart and let us all as the Body of Christ go forward petitioning the Lord to help us do better in the areas that we lack. Let us ask God to increase our Faith, help us to see where we can be used to do good works that glorify Him, and to control and perfect our speech. Let us surrender to the Lord, allowing Him to have His way with our life.
Let us desire Him to change our wrong words into right, lack of works into an abundance of good works, and small faith in Great Faith!
The Lord wants us to do His will, now is the time for us to express to Him that we are ready.


So far in this chapter:
the Pharisees have condemned the disciples of Jesus for picking heads of grain on the sabbath day so Jesus provided examples from the Law and the Prophets proving that His disciples were guiltless and ultimately making it clear to the Pharisees that He is Lord even of the sabbath day.

Next, Jesus is in the Synagogue and there is a man with a hand that needs healing on the sabbath day, the Pharisees then used the situation in attempt to accuse Jesus of wrong, so He makes it clear to them by providing an illustration, showing clearly how it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days, and actually healing the man. The Pharisees were then so mad at this situation that they left and had a meeting about how to destroy Jesus.

Later, a person that had a devil within themselves and was blind and dumb because of it was brought to Jesus and He healed the person and the people around were so amazed by the miracle that they said; “Is not this the son of David?”
After hearing that, the Pharisees then went so far to make the statement saying; “This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devil’s.”
Jesus responded with a series of explanations how that the miracles that are done through Him come from the Spirit of God and how that it makes no sense that Beelzebub(satan) would cast out devils. Jesus warns the Pharisees that Blaspheming the Holy Ghost will never be forgiven.   


38 Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.
Now some other Pharisees and Scribes(a member of a learned class in ancient Israel through New Testament times studying the Scriptures and serving as copyists, editors, teachers, and jurists) speak to Jesus addressing Him as Master(teacher/professor) (extreme change of tone) telling Him how that they would like to see a sign from Heaven concerning Him. He has already done multiple miracles and now they are asking for a sign. They are likely asking for a sign because they have already attributed His past miracles to satan. Maybe they were hoping that Jesus would send; thunders and lightnings from heaven or the sound of a trumpet to convince them that He is a prophet and true Messiah to come.

 

39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:

Jesus responds to all standing by how that this generation in which they are living is an evil and adulterous one that seeks after signs. Writings from this time speak to how adultery was increasing among the people.
We see example of this in the Gospel of John chapter 8 verses 3 through 9
“3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, 4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. 5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?

6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. 7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. 8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.”

Jesus; instead of providing the Scribes and Pharisees with a sign in that instance as they requested He let them know that no sign will be given to them in their evil and adulterous generation but the sign of the prophet Jonas.  

They wanted a sign from Heaven but they will soon receive a sign in the earth.

 

40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

Jonah 1:1-17
“Now the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying,

2 Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me.

3 But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord.

4 But the Lord sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken.

5 Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god, and cast forth the wares that were in the ship into the sea, to lighten it of them. But Jonah was gone down into the sides of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep.

6 So the shipmaster came to him, and said unto him, What meanest thou, O sleeper? arise, call upon thy God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not.

7 And they said every one to his fellow, Come, and let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evil is upon us. So they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Jonah.

8 Then said they unto him, Tell us, we pray thee, for whose cause this evil is upon us; What is thine occupation? and whence comest thou? what is thy country? and of what people art thou?

9 And he said unto them, I am an Hebrew; and I fear the Lord, the God of heaven, which hath made the sea and the dry land.

10 Then were the men exceedingly afraid, and said unto him. Why hast thou done this? For the men knew that he fled from the presence of the Lord, because he had told them.

11 Then said they unto him, What shall we do unto thee, that the sea may be calm unto us? for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous.

12 And he said unto them, Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you.

13 Nevertheless the men rowed hard to bring it to the land; but they could not: for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous against them.

14 Wherefore they cried unto the Lord, and said, We beseech thee, O Lord, we beseech thee, let us not perish for this man’s life, and lay not upon us innocent blood: for thou, O Lord, hast done as it pleased thee.

15 So they took up Jonah, and cast him forth into the sea: and the sea ceased from her raging.

16 Then the men feared the Lord exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice unto the Lord, and made vows.

17 Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.”

 

After being swallowed by a fish, Jonah was in its belly for 3 days and 3 nights. It is understood that he could not have lived for even 1 hour in the belly of a whale, but Jonah was released on the third day as one born from the dead.

Likewise will be the sign of Jesus upon the earth. He will be later crucified on the cross, buried in a sepulchre, and rise again on the third day. This happens at a later time in the Gospel, but will serve as the sign upon the earth.
*This is Jesus’s first explicit foretelling of His death in the Gospel of Matthew.

 

41 The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.

Jonah 3:1-10
“And the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the second time, saying,

2 Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee.

3 So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days’ journey.

4 And Jonah began to enter into the city a day’s journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.

5 So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.

6 For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.

7 And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water:

8 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands.

9 Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not?

10 And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.”

As we see here in Jonah chapter 3, those that lived in the land of Nineveh repented when Jonas came to preach in their land.

No miracles or signs were noted as happening in this time when Jonas came with the Word from the Lord to the land, but still the people took heed to what Jonas was preaching and turned from their wrong ways.

Jesus speaking against the current generation of the time lets the people know that the men of Nineveh will condemn them(put them to shame) at the time of Judgement. This generation had John the Baptist, the Son of Man(Jesus Christ Himself), the disciples of Jesus who later became the Apostles, and all manner of works of God done through them, but they still did not repent. The Ninevites had only the prophet Jonas who needed to be nearly forced to bring the Word from God to the people and they Repented! One greater than Jonah is here, the Son of God has come and they have not yet received Him giving the people of Nineveh Just cause to condemn(to say in a strong and definite way that someone or something is bad or wrong) this generation.  

 

42 The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.

1 Kings 10:1-10
“And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to prove him with hard questions.

2 And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bare spices, and very much gold, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart.

3 And Solomon told her all her questions: there was not any thing hid from the king, which he told her not.

4 And when the queen of Sheba had seen all Solomon’s wisdom, and the house that he had built,

5 And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the Lord; there was no more spirit in her.

6 And she said to the king, It was a true report that I heard in mine own land of thy acts and of thy wisdom.

7 Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard.

8 Happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and that hear thy wisdom.

9 Blessed be the Lord thy God, which delighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel: because the Lord loved Israel for ever, therefore made he thee king, to do judgment and justice.

10 And she gave the king an hundred and twenty talents of gold, and of spices very great store, and precious stones: there came no more such abundance of spices as these which the queen of Sheba gave to king Solomon.”

The Queen of the South(Queen Sheba) came from very far away to hear the Wisdom that God imparted on King Solomon. She was very impressed with the Wisdom he possessed.

According to the Jews, the Messiah shall come through the lineage of David and shall be a greater master of wisdom/wiser than Solomon. Jesus was born of the Lineage of David and His Wisdom was very profound but this generation rejected Him as the Messiah, blasphemed His miracles, and despised His ministry. Jesus Christ(the Son of God) is now there in the flesh and this generation is NOT taking heed like the Queen of the south did regarding King Solomon. This generation will be condemned(put them to shame) in the time of judgement by the Queen because they having Jesus among them with His wisdom greater than Solomon’s still did not take heed.  

What about us today? What about THIS generation which we currently live in?
Less than 1000 years ago among those who seeked God very few of them had access to His entire Holy Word. Many people would need to go to the church just to hear what the Word of God says and rarely had access to read the Word themselves.

It was very uncommon for people to have a Holy Bible in their home because it was so expensive and the printing press had not been invented yet. Many countries did not have a translation of the Word of God in their language, but yet many still believed!

Many persons were converted, turning from their sins unto repentance through faith in Jesus Christ, hearing of the Word of God without access to read it themselves.

Many people of the past would be so diligent to learn what the Word of God says that they would possibly make every effort to remember what was said in the preaching to keep the Word of God always on their hearts and minds.

Today our generation has an abundance of resources, nearly everyone on the planet can access the Holy Bible in some way in their own language but still very few take the time to learn of their creator and genuinely put their faith in Him.

Today we Born Again believers in Jesus Christ have access to the Holy Spirit of God whom dwells in us guiding us to all Truth, in the past time those that followed God could know of Him from the Law and the Prophets but the Holy Spirit had not yet come to dwell in the lives of those that believe. Many today have access to the precious gift of the Holy Spirit that those of the time before Jesus Christ came to earth would have longed for if they had access to Him.

Is our generation cherishing the precious opportunity to have God’s written Word and teaching of it readily available to us? Is our generation diligently seeking God while He may be found? Is our generation being cautious to treasure the Holy Spirit(God with us) constantly following His direction and keeping His temple(our bodies) Pure, Holy, and undefiled from this world?

 

Let us not be the generation that is to be condemned(put to shame) of the generation before us. Let us be the generation that treasures all that the Lord has Blessed us with, living a life of True Faith in our Lord FOR our Lord, turning from every way in our lives that is unpleasing to God, making the most of every opportunity we have to learn of Him and grow closer to Him. Let us be found blameless/without shame in the time of Judgement before our Lord through the Blood of Jesus Christ and diligently hearkening to all the guidance/direction of our Lord for the rest of our days.

 

43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.

45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.

Consider the hearing of the Word of God as the time that the Unclean Spirit is gone out of a man. The Word of God washes our mind revealing unto us the Will of our creator, showing us the way out of darkness unto the way of Light. Once the unclean spirit dwelling in man leaves because he can not stand to bear the Truth and Light, he walks around in dry desert like places with no water/nourishment seeking to find rest/a place to sit but can not find one.

Next, that unclean spirit decides that it left its home for sometime, but can not find any other place to rest, so it will go back home where it came from. As the unclean spirit goes back into its house, it realizes that its home has been cleansed as a home that was occupied would be cleaned and prepared for the next tenant. Consider this as the time after one hears the Word of God, takes heed to the direction of the Lord but the person is not yet converted,  just a little more clean than they were before. The Word of God has come in, but Christ has not become the Lord/Master of the person.

Finally, the unclean spirit seizes the opportunity to reclaim its home, taking back dominion over whom it had before it left. Because the person has not yet fully surrendered to Jesus Christ for Him to have dominion over his or her life, the unclean spirit has an open door and takes it. Not only the original evil spirit comes back to makes its home in the man, but also seven other spirits more wicked than himself come in and make home in the man. The wickedness before hearing the Word of God has become multiplied because the man did not surrender fully to Jesus allowing Him to replace the former unclean spirit, now with the Holy Spirit of God.  

When one is exposed to the knowledge of the Truth, where the unclean spirit cannot dwell, he or she should at that time go all the way with the Lord, becoming converted/surrendering their life to Jesus Christ. If a person receives the Word, the unclean spirit will depart for a time, but if the person delays to make the Lord their new Master over his or her life, the unclean spirit will come back multiplied even more wicked than before.

 

2 Peter 2:20-22
“20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.

21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.

22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.”

Every heart may become free from all unclean spirits(all ungodliness) if they put their Faith in Jesus Christ, becoming the habitation of the Holy Ghost, yielding to the direction of the Lord, and surrendering his or her will to the will of the Father which is in Heaven.

The door is open, the opportunity is available today to make the commitment. We have been cleansed by the Word of God yet again! Will you allow today be the day that you decide that sin shall no longer inhabit your life and that you want the Holy Spirit of God to inhabit your life? The time is now to end the cycle of the devices of the enemy multiplying in your life. Close the door to the enemy today and open the door fully for the Lord to have His way. His way leads unto eternal life in Heaven, the way of the enemy leads unto darkness and everlasting destruction.
Choose life today.

46 While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him.

47 Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee.

48 But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?

49 And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!

50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

While Jesus was speaking to the people, His mother and brethren were standing on the outside of them with the desire to speak with Him. The message was brought forth to Jesus and He responded saying “Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?”

Those that are learning the will of the Father and doing it are His family. Instead of showing priority for His family by Blood, Jesus explains that those doing the Will of His Father(God in Heaven) are His family. The same should go for us followers of Jesus Christ today. We must understand that the those doing the will of God our Father in Heaven are our family. As Jesus here did not take preference of His relatives by blood so should we follow this example. Our family on earth may be very important to us, we may have had many lasting memories with them, but if they do not follow Jesus Christ, they will not inherit eternal life. Our family in Christ is not only who we follow Jesus Christ with today, but those that are truly the Lord’s will be our family for all Eternity in Heaven. The family of Christ is an eternal bond. This life is only temporary, but the spirit is eternal. Let us learn to take great joy in our spiritual family, ALL those who do the will of God the Father in Heaven, this will be our never ending family.