Sunday, July 19, 2020

Matthew 12

Jesus proves to be perfect wisdom in human flesh. The Scribes and Pharisees attempt time and time again to trick Jesus or make him sound foolish but they are the ones made out to be fools. 

The Sabbath was given by the Lord to the Sons of Israel for two reasons: First, would they trust his word. Second, for their benefit. However, the pharisees made additional laws to keep people from breaking the Sabbath. The Sabbath became a burden rather than a blessing for the people of God. Jesus would later tell Pilot, “For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” (Jn. 18:37, NASB) The pharisees were not teaching the truth about the Sabbath; therefore, understanding about the Sabbath is one area that the Messiah came to redeem. Jesus said something that must have sounded atrocious to them. He claimed to be Lord of the Sabbath. Now why would he say that? Because the pharisees (by making additional laws) had made themselves lords of the Sabbath.

They thought that they could catch him in the wrong on the Sabbath by asking him if it was legal to heal on the Sabbath. They wanted a simple yes or no answer but this is not the answer that Jesus gave. He answered with wisdom. He knew that they took care of their animals on the Sabbath. Also, they knew that the word declared man more valuable than animals. Given these two truths they had no words to speak against his healing a man on the Sabbath. If they opened their mouths they would look like fools; therefore, they conspired privately to do evil. All of Jesus words and actions fulfilled prophecy.

The pharisees could not defeat the wisdom of Jesus; therefore, they attempted to defame his character. They could not deny that he was healing men, so they declared that he was casting out demons by the ruler of the demons. However, even in their attempt to defame his character they were defeated by the wisdom of the Son of God. 

Jesus said that blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven. There has been much written about this and I will say what I believe. Many have also used this to cause fear in others. And many have feared whether or not they have committed the unpardonable sin. Even the author of “Pilgrim’s Progress,” John Bunyan feared at one point in his life that he may have committed the unpardonable sin. I believe that Jesus had judged these men and found them guilty. Judgment day is coming but for these pharisees it has already come.

What is in the heart the mouth speaks. This is a hard thing because I personally have said so many things that I regret. My heart is often revealed by my words. I believe this is why James wrote to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger. (Jam 1:19) I confess that I am often slow to listen, quick to speak and quick to anger.

Jesus had been going throughout Galilee, preaching the kingdom of heaven and healing many many people. Yet, some scribes and Pharisees came and requested that he perform a miracle in their sight. He knew that these men were already making plans to kill him. They would kill him through Pilot and his body would be placed in a tomb but on the third day the tomb would be empty. In the face of the facts they would still refuse to believe. 

Lastly, Jesus declared his family are those who do the will of his Father. What is the will of the Father? To believe in him whom the Father sent. (Jn 6:40)