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Matthew Chapter 12 Condemned by the Pharisees

by Paul George  
7/10/2008 / Bible Studies

Matthew 12:15-31

Leaving the synagogue the Pharisees went out and conspired how they might kill Jesus. Aware of the plotting of the Pharisees Jesus departed from the synagogue and many followed Him. Jesus healed all that were brought to Him, and He warned the people not to tell what He was doing. The reason for the warning was to fulfill prophecy (see Isaiah 42:1-3).

Then one possessed by a demon, blind and mute, was brought to him and he healed him, so that the blind and mute man both spoke and saw.

In the account of the healing of this man there is no dialog between Jesus, the man, or demon recorded. All we are told is the man was brought to Jesus and Jesus healed him. The cause of the man's blindness and inability to speak was removed and the man was able to see and speak.

The lesson taught in this miracle is, Jesus' mercy is directly opposite to Satan's malice; His favors, to the devil's mischief. When Satan's power is broken in the soul, the eyes are opened to see God's glory, and the lips opened to speak his praise.

In the account of the miracle we find three responses, first the response of the blind and mute demonic, he spoke and saw.

Second, the response of the people, they were amazed.

Third, the response of the Pharisees, the enemies of Jesus, "This man does not cast out demons, except by Beelzebub, the prince of the demons'" (Matthew 12:24 WEB).

The Pharisees could not deny the miracle. They had no other way to avoid the conclusion, that Jesus is the Son of David, except suggest Jesus cast out demons by Beelzebub.

In verses Twenty-five through thirty we have Jesus' response to the charge made by the Pharisees; first, if He casts out demons only by Beelzebub, Satan's kingdom would be divided against itself. In all societies and families the consequence of division is broken relationships. What Jesus wants the Pharisees to understand, divisions end in desolations; if we divide one from another, we become an easy prey to a common enemy.

If there is conflict between Satan and the princes of his kingdom the whole kingdom is destroyed. The purpose of Jesus' preaching and miracles was to overthrow the kingdom of Satan, the healing of the demon possessed man is a foreshadow of the overthrowing of Satan's kingdom of darkness, wickedness, and enmity to God; and the establishment of the kingdom of heaven on earth, a kingdom of light, holiness, and love. The works of Satan, as a rebel against God, and a tyrant over the souls of men, will be destroyed by Christ; and therefore it was the most absurd thing imaginable, to think that Beelzebub had any part in the healing of the demon possessed man.

Jesus' second argument is in the form of a question, "by whom do your children cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges by whom do your sons cast them down?" (Matthew 12:27 WEB). There were those among the Jews who did cast out demons. The Pharisees did not condemn them, but claimed their casting out of demons is by the Spirit of God. Note the persecutors of Christ and Christianity condemn the same thing in those they hate, which they approve of and applaud in those they love.

The casting out of the demon was an indication of the approach and appearance of the kingdom of God. Other miracles that Jesus performed proved Him sent of God, but this miracle proved Him sent of God to destroy Satan's kingdom, his demonic force, and works; the Spirit of God overthrows the spirit who works in the children of unbelief and disobedience. The casting out of demons is an introduction to the coming of the kingdom of God.

The comparing of the miracles of Jesus, particularly the casting out of demons, with His doctrine is evidence that He was not in league with Satan. The world, that sat in darkness, and lay in wickedness, was in Satan's possession, and under his power, as a house in the possession and under the power of a strong man; so is every unregenerate soul; there Satan resides, there he rules. The goal of Jesus ministry was to destroy Satan's house. The casting out of the demon that possessed this man was a sign that Jesus is able to bind the strong man, Satan, and free his captives.

Jesus' third argument identifies two classes of people, those who are with Jesus and those who are not with Him. Christ expects and requires from those who are with Him, that they gather with Him; that they not only gather to Him themselves, but do all they can to gather others to Him. Those who will not gather with Him will be looked upon, and dealt with, as hinderers, if we do not gather with Jesus we scatter.

Retired pastor,Church of the Nazarene

Author of web site Exploring God's Word

www.thewordofgodonline.net

New American Standard Bible

King James Version

The World English Bible

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