The Unforgivable Sin

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.