Matthew 12:22-32, Messianic Miracle #2 (2)

Jesus had performed a powerful sign.  The people wondered if He was not, in fact, the Son of David.  Now we see the response of the Pharisees.

·        12:24: the Pharisee’s slander.  Note: they did not deny that a miracle was done.  A great victory had been won in the spirit-world.  The question that must be asked is, what does this say about Jesus?  In Scripture there are only two assessments that are possible when considering any person: either they are the children of God or the children of the devil (1 John 3:10; Matt. 13:38).  The Pharisees opt for Beelzebub as the source of Jesus’ power.  This likely refers to a Canaanite god, meaning literally lord of the dung or lord of the flies.  In the context it refers to Satan.  What they are saying is that Jesus defeated Satan by Satan’s power.  In one sense we really don’t need Jesus to tell us how ridiculous that answer is.  But for the Pharisees it’s all they have.  Jesus is part of a great and very powerful conspiracy theory. 

·        12:25-37: the prophetic statement.  First Jesus answers the Pharisees (v25-30); then He admonishes the Pharisees (v31-37).

o   12:25-30: Jesus answers the Pharisees.  Jesus knew their thoughts.  The Pharisees had responded verbally; but underneath the words Jesus knew their thoughts.  He knows our as well (Heb. 4:13; Jer. 17:10).  How vital that we be faithful to God’s word which will judge our thoughts accurately (Heb. 4:12).

§  12:25b-26: their answer shows foolishness.  Jesus begins with a “common sense” answer.  How foolish to think Satan would oppose himself!  It is interesting that this very thing happened.  In Rev. 17:16; 18:17,19 we see Satan’s kingdom divided against itself.  The antichrist destroys the harlot who represents the worldly religious and economic system.

§  12:27: their answer shows inconsistency.  There were others, Jews, who were “exorcists” so to speak.  Joseph, the Jewish historian, says these individuals used various incantations and tricks to do their work.  The point is that the Pharisees acknowledged these “exorcists” as doing good work.  How inconsistent to charge Jesus with complicity with Satan given His obvious greater power.

§  12:28: their answer shows rebellion.  Remember: there are only two possibilities.  Jesus’ work is either of Satan or of God.  Thus, Jesus says the Pharisees are resisting the Kingdom of God by resisting Christ.

§  12:29: their answer shows blindness.  Jesus turns the argument in a more positive direction.  The miracle He performed demonstrated what Jesus was, in fact, doing.  Satan would eventually be defeated by the cross and resurrection.  But first Jesus is entering Satan’s house to disable Satan. 

This brings up some question that will need to wait until our next post.