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Matthew 12:43
Verse
Context
An Unclean Spirit Returns
42The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here.43When an unclean spirit comes out of a man, it passes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it.44Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ On its return, it finds the house vacant, swept clean, and put in order.
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, &c.--On this important parable, in connection with the corresponding one (Mat 12:29) see on Luk 11:21-26. A charming little incident, given only in Luk 11:27-28, seems to have its proper place here. Luk 11:27 : And it came to pass, as He spake these things, a certain woman of the company--out of the crowd. lifted up her voice and said unto Him, Blessed is the womb that bare Thee, and the paps which Thou hast sucked--With true womanly feeling she envies the mother of such a wonderful Teacher. And a higher and better than she had said as much before her (see on Luk 1:28). How does our Lord, then, treat it? He is far from condemning it. He only holds up as "blessed rather" another class: Luk 11:28 : But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it--in other words, the humblest real saint of God. How utterly alien is this sentiment from the teaching of the Church of Rome, which would doubtless excommunicate any one of its members that dared to talk in such a strain! His Mother and Brethren Seek to Speak with Hint and the Answer (Mat 12:46-50).
John Gill Bible Commentary
But he answered and said unto him that told him,.... Of his mother and brethren being without doors, desiring, and waiting to speak to him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? These questions are put, not as if he himself was ignorant who were his mother or his brethren; or as suggesting as if he had none; or as denying that these were in such a relation to him; or as casting any slight upon them; or as intending to teach men disrespect to parents and kindred, according to the flesh; but as displeased with the man, or men, for interrupting him in his work; and to let them know, that the business of his heavenly Father was preferred by him to any his natural relations could have with him; and that he might have an opportunity of pointing out who were his relations in a spiritual sense.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:43-45 The Messiah came in victory over demonic powers, but instead of repenting, the nation as a whole rejected the Messiah. Just as an exorcised demon will return if the house is not properly prepared against it, so judgment would come to this evil generation for rejecting the Messiah. 12:43 Demons were thought to prefer the arid desert (see Rev 18:2; cp. Isa 13:21; 34:14).
Matthew 12:43
An Unclean Spirit Returns
42The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here.43When an unclean spirit comes out of a man, it passes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it.44Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ On its return, it finds the house vacant, swept clean, and put in order.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The End of Man
By David Wilkerson3.8K1:21:05MAT 12:43In this sermon, the preacher discusses the request of the Pharisees for Jesus to show them a sign. Jesus responds by telling them about the story of an unclean spirit being cast out of a man. He then relates this story to his own upcoming crucifixion and resurrection, stating that he will be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights. The preacher emphasizes the importance of focusing on the victory and order that comes from following Jesus, rather than getting caught up in worldly distractions. He also mentions the need for discernment in the church and references the story of the men of Nineveh who repented and turned from their evil ways. The sermon concludes with a discussion of God's girdle, as mentioned in the book of Jeremiah.
Keeping Ourselves in the Love of God
By Zac Poonen1.8K59:20Love Of GodGEN 4:5PRO 4:23MAT 6:33MAT 12:43JUD 1:21In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of guarding our hearts and controlling our words. He uses the analogy of a man who cleans his house of jealousy, but then invites more negative spirits back in, resulting in a worse state than before. The speaker encourages listeners to watch their hearts diligently, as the condition of the heart affects the words we speak. He also highlights the need to have the right attitude towards others and to be good to them, as God has been good to us. The sermon references Proverbs 4:23 and Ephesians 3:17 to support these teachings.
Spiritual Vacuums Deut 6;21
By Harold Erickson63938:24Overcoming EmptinessSpiritual FulfillmentDEU 6:21MAT 12:43JHN 10:10EPH 5:18Harold Erickson emphasizes the concept of spiritual vacuums in his sermon, illustrating how God brings us out of bondage, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:21, to lead us into a fuller life in Christ. He explains that many Christians experience emptiness because they have not allowed God to fill every part of their lives, likening this to a vacuum that can be filled with negative influences if left unaddressed. Erickson encourages believers to recognize that God desires not only to save them but also to fill them with His Spirit and purpose, leading to a life of abundance and victory. He challenges the congregation to examine whether they have truly allowed God to take full residence in their hearts, urging them to open every room to His presence. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper understanding of the fullness of life that God intends for His people.
The Landlady From Heaven and the Tenants From Hell
By Ian Paisley59632:16MAT 6:33MAT 12:30MAT 12:43MAT 12:45LUK 11:21LUK 11:24In this sermon, the preacher reflects on a personal experience from many years ago, where he felt the power of his Savior defeating Satan. He emphasizes the importance of being led by God's grace and being cleansed of sin. The preacher then reads from the Gospel of Matthew, specifically focusing on a passage about an unclean spirit returning to a man after being cast out. He warns the congregation about the dangers of drifting away from God and urges them to heed the Savior's call before it's too late. The sermon highlights the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome Satan's schemes and emphasizes the need for reliance on Christ.
Emptiness
By John Parker4541:00:46Christian LifeMAT 6:33MAT 12:43MAT 12:45LUK 11:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a life filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. He uses the example of a woman named Charmaine who is actively sharing the message of heaven to a hurting world. The sermon then transitions to a familiar passage in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 25, which talks about the coming of the Lord for his church. The preacher focuses on the parable of the ten virgins, highlighting the contrast between the wise and foolish virgins who were prepared or unprepared for the bridegroom's arrival. The sermon concludes with a reminder to stay vigilant and prepared for the Lord's return.
Lord, Help Me Change!
By Shane Idleman1056:42ChangeAccountabilityISA 40:31MAT 12:43Shane Idleman addresses the necessity of change in our lives, emphasizing that as sinners, we all have areas that need transformation. He highlights the importance of seeking God's help in this process, as mere willpower is insufficient. Idleman encourages the congregation to expose their sins, implement safeguards, and recognize their responsibility in the change process, while also relying on God's strength. He reminds listeners that true change requires both divine assistance and personal accountability, urging them to fill their hearts with the things of God to resist negative influences. Ultimately, he calls for a heartfelt return to God, emphasizing that change is possible through surrender and faith.
The Pharisees Request a Sign From Jesus Matthew 12:38-45
By David Servant0MAT 12:43David Servant preaches about Jesus responding to the religious teachers and Pharisees who asked for a miraculous sign, explaining that His resurrection would be the ultimate proof of His divinity. Despite this, Jesus knew many would still not believe in Him, comparing them to a demon-possessed person who becomes more wicked after temporary deliverance. He highlights the openness to truth shown by the people of Nineveh and the Queen of Sheba, contrasting it with the hardened hearts of the religious leaders. Jesus' claims of being greater than Jonah and Solomon point to His divinity, not pride, as only God can rightfully make such claims.
The Fearful Results of a Spiritual Relapse
By Charles Finney0Spiritual RelapseVigilance in FaithMAT 12:43Charles Finney warns about the dire consequences of spiritual relapse, using the metaphor of an unclean spirit returning to a man who has not filled his heart with righteousness. He illustrates how the Jewish nation, after a brief awakening under John the Baptist, fell back into deeper sin upon rejecting Christ, leading to a state worse than before. Finney emphasizes that a temporary absence of evil does not guarantee lasting change unless one actively seeks to fill their life with God's presence. He cautions that neglecting spiritual vigilance can invite even greater evils into one's life, resulting in a dangerous cycle of sin and despair. The sermon serves as a call to action for believers to remain steadfast and proactive in their faith.
Matthew 12:43-45. the Parable of the Unclean Spirit.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0MAT 12:43MRK 13:33LUK 11:24EPH 6:121JN 5:18Favell Lee Mortimer preaches on the importance of guarding our hearts against evil spirits, using the analogy of a house where unclean spirits dwell. The parable emphasizes the need for true conversion and the presence of Jesus in our hearts as the only protection from Satan's malice. Those who do not heed the warning risk falling prey to demonic influences, as seen in the tragic stories of King Saul and the wicked Pharisees.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, &c.--On this important parable, in connection with the corresponding one (Mat 12:29) see on Luk 11:21-26. A charming little incident, given only in Luk 11:27-28, seems to have its proper place here. Luk 11:27 : And it came to pass, as He spake these things, a certain woman of the company--out of the crowd. lifted up her voice and said unto Him, Blessed is the womb that bare Thee, and the paps which Thou hast sucked--With true womanly feeling she envies the mother of such a wonderful Teacher. And a higher and better than she had said as much before her (see on Luk 1:28). How does our Lord, then, treat it? He is far from condemning it. He only holds up as "blessed rather" another class: Luk 11:28 : But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it--in other words, the humblest real saint of God. How utterly alien is this sentiment from the teaching of the Church of Rome, which would doubtless excommunicate any one of its members that dared to talk in such a strain! His Mother and Brethren Seek to Speak with Hint and the Answer (Mat 12:46-50).
John Gill Bible Commentary
But he answered and said unto him that told him,.... Of his mother and brethren being without doors, desiring, and waiting to speak to him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? These questions are put, not as if he himself was ignorant who were his mother or his brethren; or as suggesting as if he had none; or as denying that these were in such a relation to him; or as casting any slight upon them; or as intending to teach men disrespect to parents and kindred, according to the flesh; but as displeased with the man, or men, for interrupting him in his work; and to let them know, that the business of his heavenly Father was preferred by him to any his natural relations could have with him; and that he might have an opportunity of pointing out who were his relations in a spiritual sense.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:43-45 The Messiah came in victory over demonic powers, but instead of repenting, the nation as a whole rejected the Messiah. Just as an exorcised demon will return if the house is not properly prepared against it, so judgment would come to this evil generation for rejecting the Messiah. 12:43 Demons were thought to prefer the arid desert (see Rev 18:2; cp. Isa 13:21; 34:14).