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Matthew 12:22-32
22 Then a demon-oppressed man who was blind and mute was brought to him, and he healed him, so that the man spoke and saw. 23 And all the people were amazed, and said, “Can this be the Son of David?” 24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this man casts out demons.” 25 Knowing their thoughts, he said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. 26 And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? 27 And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. 28 But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. 29 Or how can someone enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? Then indeed he may plunder his house. 30 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. 31 Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32 And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.
Watch the Sermon
Summary: This week's passage can be quite jarring at first glance. What do we make of the unforgivable sin? How do we ensure we don't accidentally commit this sin? As we will see, "accidentally" blaspheming the Spirit isn't possible. The saying of Jesus in Matthew 12:22-32 shows us that settled, hardened rejection of God's clear work through the Holy Spirit will mean God's rejection of the blasphemer. This saying does not exist in a vacuum, but is spoken in the midst of a conflict over a healing that Jesus does. As the Pharisees attribute the Spirit's marvelous working to Satan, Jesus shows them the fault in their thinking and warns all to turn from persistently rejecting the clear working of God in their midst. As we consider this warning, let us receive it with hearts grateful for a God who does not leave us to our own devices, but comes to plunder Satan's kingdom and transfer us from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light.
Review & Apply
In what ways does blindness and muteness evidence a world in darkness? Does blindness and muteness always signify demon possession?
How does his deliverance evidence the coming of God's kingdom in power and compassion?
What is the logic of Jesus' rebuttal to the Pharisees? Why would His rebuking of the demon mean Satan is divided?
How would you define, "Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit"?
Are you aware of the spiritual warfare in the world? Do you believe there are spiritual forces who work for your harm?
Does someone have to act outwardly opposed to the gospel to be guilty of rejecting it? How could apathy be just as deadly as antagonism?
What hope can you draw in your daily lives from this passage?
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