Book of Matthew - Lesson 17
(Read Matthew 12:14-50)

Introduction: In this second section of chapter twelve of the book of Matthew, we find the Pharisees going out and taking "counsel against" against Jesus as to how they may "destroy Him." (Vs. 14-21). Jesus withdrew but many followed Him. He charged them that they were not to make him known. This is said to be a fulfillment of what was spoken by Isaiah the prophet (CF, Isa. Chapters 40 and 61). He was harmless but He was to be crucified by people who claimed to be God’s people. Nevertheless, they did this evil act. Yet, in the process, He would bring salvation to the whole of mankind, including the Gentiles.

1. A person possessed with a demon --blind and dumb was brought to Jesus and He healed him (V. 22). That sets off a division in the thinking and reaction of the different groups This  brought an opportunity for Jesus to point to some very significant teachings, which takes up the major part of the rest of the chapter (Vs. 22-45). When the common people saw this, they asked if this was not the son of David, which they had been expecting to come. (V. 23).The Pharisees were disturbed when they heard the people ask this question and acted very irrationally saying this fellow doth not cast out devils except by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. (V. 24) This enabled Jesus to point to a very important principle: A kingdom divided against itself cannot stand, but will be brought down (v. 25). He reasoned that if Satan worked against himself, of course he would destroy himself. He pointed to their inconsistency: if they claimed to cast them out, by what power do they do it? How can they charge Him with doing it by the chief of the devils and then claim that they do it by God’s power (vs. 26-30).

2. In verses Vs. 31-37, He points out that "all manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven" but "the Blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men." He compares the heart of men with a tree, by the fruits one will manifest what he is . In Vs. 38-45 ,the Pharisees asked Him for a sign, and Jesus pointed to the only SIGN that would be given --just as Jonah  was three days in the whale’s "belly," He would spend "three days and three nights in the heart of the earth."

3. Vs. 46-50 -- we find Jesus’ mother and brethren coming and inquiring of Him. When He is informed of their presence and interest, He teaches a lesson on relationships --physical and spiritual. He raises a question and them points to the distinction of the two relationships and the priority that is involved and to be followed.