Matthew - Week 35

Divided Then Conquered 

READ 

Matthew 12:25-26 

25 Jesus knew their thoughts and replied, “Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed. A town or family splintered by feuding will fall apart. 26 And if Satan is casting out Satan, he is divided and fighting against himself. His own kingdom will not survive.” 

The Pharisees accused Jesus of being able to cast out demons by the power of Satan, the prince of demons. Jesus pointed out how illogical it was to think what the Pharisees charged. That would mean that Satan’s kingdom was divided against itself. As a result Satan’s kingdom could not survive. The Pharisees had obviously not thought through their charge against Jesus. They hated Him so much their thinking was confused. 

REFLECT 

Notice that Jesus also said that a family feuding will fall apart. How is it with your family? 

RESPOND 

Referring to family, see what is said in Proverbs 6:16-19 about what God hates. Regarding the family, note especially verse 19. Talk with another believer about loving what God loves and hating what He hates. 

Confused Ideas 

READ 

Matthew 12:27 

27 “And if I am empowered by Satan, what about your own exorcists? They cast out demons, too, so they will condemn you for what you have said.” 

Apparently there were some among the Pharisees who were also casting out demons. If the charge of the Pharisees applied to Jesus, it would also apply to their fellow Pharisees. What would the Pharisees say about this by their charge of Jesus also accusing other Pharisees as well?  

REFLECT 

Sometimes an argument based on common sense is the best argument. 

RESPOND 

Consider that sometimes even the unsaved can do things that cause others to think they are true believers. Read Matthew 7:21-23 to see what Jesus will say to those who seemingly do good things but are not believing in Him for salvation. Judas Iscariot would be a prime example of this.  

Power Over Demons 

READ 

Matthew 12:28-29 

28 “But if I am casting out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you. 29 For who is powerful enough to enter the house of a strong man and plunder his goods? Only someone even stronger—someone who could tie him up and then plunder his house.” 

Jesus dispelled the charge of the Pharisees about His casting out demons by Satan’s power. Jesus revealed the other possibility—that He was the promised King of the Kingdom of God. He said this as He was standing in their midst. He said He was the stronger one who had tied up Satan and plundered his house. 

REFLECT 

Think how special it was in those days to have Jesus Himself standing in your midst. Yet with this privilege, many denied Him. 

RESPOND 

With a friend, read Luke 17:20-21. Some translations say the kingdom of God is “within you.” This gives rise to counterfeit religious groups who claim the spirit of God is within everyone. Jesus was referring to Himself being “in their midst.” See Romans 8:9 to be reminded if people do not have the Spirit of God living in them, they are not believers.  

For and Against 

READ 

Matthew 12:30 

30 “Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me.” 

There is no neutral ground as Jesus said one is either for Him or against Him. One who is not with Jesus is seen as opposing Him. One who is not working with Jesus is seen as actually working against Him. This drew a sharp contrast for the Pharisees and it draws a sharp contrast for everyone today. 

REFLECT 

How is it with your friends? They need to realize not being with Jesus is not just being neutral but is actually opposing Him.  

RESPOND 

Visit with a fellow believer and determine that you will do all you can to speak out for Jesus. Pray for wisdom about knowing what to say and what not to say. Use 1 Peter 3:15-16 as a guide in answering.  

Blasphemy 

READ 

Matthew 12:31-32 

31 “So I tell you, every sin and blasphemy can be forgiven—except blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which will never be forgiven. 32 Anyone who speaks against the Son of Man can be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven, either in this world or in the world to come.” 

The Pharisees claimed that Jesus was casting out demons by the power of Satan (see Matthew 12:24). The expression “either in this world or in the world to come” is literally “in this age” and the “age to come.” The expression “this age” would refer to the time Jesus was living on earth and doing miracles. It is doubtful whether this sin is still possible to be committed after Jesus went to the cross and paid for sin. 

REFLECT 

Perhaps you know of some who fear they have committed the unpardonable sin. The assurance they have not is that they are bothered about it in the first place. If they had committed such a sin the Holy Spirit would no longer be working in them and convicting them of it.  

RESPOND 

There is one sin that is definitely unforgivable. That is passing from this life without having trusted in Jesus as Savior. Hebrews 9:27 indicates there is no second chance for salvation after death. Read 1 John 1:7-9. Notice the blood of Jesus cleanses from “all sin.” Only the living can take advantage of this.