Monday 16 April 2012

Day 16: Matthew 12:22-50

Jesus: the strong man, the greater king, the greater prophet.

Jesus continues to be opposed by the pharisees and is now accused of being in league with the devil, a far cry from the Son of David the people seem to think he might be. Jesus answer is twofold. One a kingdom cannot be divided against itself and stand, but instead He is the strong man plundering the Devil. He then goes on to explain to them that their position, disbelieving the Spirit's testimony as to who Jesus is, will not be forgiven. This is obvious in a way as if we disbelieve what the Spirit tells us about Jesus how can we be forgiven? That Jesus is not demonic is evident by His fruits just like everyone.

The pharisees then demand a sign, but Jesus will not give them one now, a sign of his judgement on them. Instead He tells them they will see the sign of Jonah; Jesus' death and resurrection. He claims to be greater than Jonah, a greater prophet, yet the supposed children of Abraham do not repent whereas Gentile Ninevah did. He claims to be greater than Solomon (son of David), a greater, wiser king, but whereas the Gentiles came to him, the pharisees are not coming to Him.

The chapter ends with Jesus pronouncing judgement on His generation including His family, but welcoming those who do God's will.

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