It appears the Pharisees have a knack for following Jesus everywhere. Apparently to try and find fault in Him. A man who was demon-possessed, blind and mute was brought to Jesus and Jesus healed him. The crowd was amazed but the Pharisees thought this "He forces out demons by the power of Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons!" (12:24) In essence they were saying Jesus was using demonic powers to cast out another demon. Jesus replies by saying why would evil want to fight against evil. Now that's inconceivable! Good fights evil. Jesus then condemns them for speaking against the Holy Spirit - which was an unforgivable sin. "But I say to you that every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgement. For by your words you will be justified and by your words you will be condemned." (12:36-37) The Pharisees still not believing that Jesus was the Son of God, asks for a sign. Jesus tells them the sign they will receive is parallel to that of the prophet Jonah. As Jonah spent 3 days and 3 nights in the belly of whale, He (Jesus) will spend the same in the heart of the earth. Here Jesus was already predicting his death.
Life Application: As the bible says "for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks," (12:34) what we say is a true reflection of what was in our heart. Be careful with what we allow to enter into our heart. Think positive, pure thoughts and what you say will reflect that. We will be held accountable for every word we say. So think before you speak.
Dear God, please forgive me for things that I have thought, said, or done that does not glorify you. And help me to abhor godly thoughts in my heart so my thoughts, words, and actions can reflect Christ.
No comments:
Post a Comment