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g) Of Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:22-37)
MATTHEW 12:22-24
22 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. 23 All the multitudes were amazed, and said, “Can this be the son of David?” 24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, “This man does not cast out demons, except by Beelzebul, the prince of the demons.” (Mark 3:22-27, Luke 11:14-23, John 7:42)
Christ gradually revealed His authority. The case of the man they brought to Him was not accidental. He was possessed with devils, and yet as soon as he was brought to the Almighty Christ, he was cured by a word of Jesus that was full of love and sympathy. There are many demons that seek to weaken and destroy man. This can happen as a result of false godliness. The Pharisees were so wrapped up in their outward religious practices that they sought to satisfy God through their offerings and strict adherence to religious laws and traditions. They lost their compassion for the weak and the poor and became open to spiritual pride, which is of Satan himself. For whoever thinks himself more righteous than others is in reality blind and unaware of his own malice. But he that obtains spiritual insight from Jesus becomes contrite, repents, and is freed from pride.
The Pharisees pretended to have more knowledge in, and zeal for, the divine law, than other people; yet they were the most persistent enemies to Christ and His teaching. They were proud of the reputation they had among the people. This reputation fed their pride, supported their power, and filled their purses. When they heard the people say, “Could this be the Son of David?” they became angry, more at that than at the miracle itself. They were jealous of Christ and became fearful that, as His interest in the people’s esteem increased, the people’s esteem toward them would diminish. They envied Him, as Saul envied David because of what the women sang of him (1 Samuel 18:7-8).
The modest and humble people felt that Jesus was the Son of David, the promised Messiah. But the Pharisees were not happy with the healing of the blind and dumb man. They cursed Christ, suggesting that there was an arrangement between Him and the chief of the demons. In practicing their self-righteousness, they became hard-hearted. They thought themselves as serving God, but in reality were opposed to His Holy Spirit. They sought to keep the law but in doing so they lacked love and mercy. All their worship became satanic, for Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light while he himself is the chief of darkness.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we thank You from the bottom of our hearts because Your Son Jesus healed all the sick, the mute, the blind, and the demon-possessed who came to Him. How great is the power of Your love. Please forgive us for not being really concerned with others in their troubles and sorrows. Let us not rejoice when they are angry or disturbed. Fill us with love and patience that we may feel the needs of our friends, and receive from You power and help for them. Have mercy on those that are spiritually dumb and blind, for they may be possessed with unclean spirits. Only a few of them care for their spiritual state. Help us to assist and encourage all who long for salvation.
QUESTION:
- Why did the leaders of the Jews accuse Jesus of casting out demons by the chief of the demons?