Matthew 12

-8 1 3 2 -9 1 0 0 0 0 13 96 -9 2 0 0 2 0 1 RVStyle2 7 StyleNameNormal textFontNameArialUnicode Size Standard StyleNameDefaultFontNameTahomaUnicode Size Standard StyleNameJumpFontNameTahomaStylefsUnderlineColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonHoverEffects rvheUnderlineUnicode Jump Size Standard StyleNameHeading - Module name SizeDoubleFontNameTahomaColorclMaroonUnicode SizeStandard StyleName"Heading small - Module descriptionFontNameTahomaColorclMaroonUnicode Size Standard StyleNameHeading - LinkFontNameTahomaColorclNavy HoverColorclPurpleUnicode Jump Size Standard StyleNameDefaultFontNameTahomaStylefsUnderlineColorclBlueUnicode Jump Size Standard StyleNameDefaultFontNameTahomaColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonNextStyleNoUnicode Jump Size -9 2 0 0 2 0 2 RVStyle2 jBiDiModervbdLeftToRightTabs StyleNameCentered Alignment rvaCenterTabsStandardTabs-9 2 0 0 2 0 4 RVStyle2 -9 0 0 0 0 0 7 1 10 2 8 0 0 CHAPTER XII) Outline of Chapter 12) Theme: The Work Which Thou Gavest Him to Do) 12:1 14 The Son of Man Asserting His Authority as Lord of the Sabbath) 12:15 21 The Chosen Servant) 12:22 37 Christ s Miracles: Proof of Beelzebul s Dominion or of His Doom?) 12:38 45 The Craving for Signs Rebuked) 12:46 50 The Mother and the Brothers of Jesus) ) 12:1 14 The Son of Man Asserting His Authority as Lord of the Sabbath) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.2.23-41.3.6|AUTODETECT|” Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.2.23-41.3.6|AUTODETECT|” Mark 2:23 3:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.1-42.6.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.1-42.6.11|AUTODETECT|” Luke 6:1 11) 1 6 2 8 0 0 12 1 Now at that time Jesus on the sabbath went through the fields of standing grain. His disciples were hungry and began to pick heads of grain and to eat them. 2 But the Pharisees saw it and said, See here, your disciples are doing what is not permitted on the sabbath. 3 He said to them, Have you not read what David did when he and those with him were hungry: 4 how he entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which neither he nor those with him but only the priests were allowed to eat? 5 Or have you not read in the law how on the sabbath the priests in the temple break the sabbath, yet are guiltless? 6 And I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. 7 However, if you had known what this means, I desire mercy and not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the guiltless. 8 For the Son of man is Lord of the sabbath. ) 9 He went on from there and entered their synagogue. 10 And look, a man with a shriveled hand! Is it right to heal on the sabbath? they asked him [Jesus], aiming to bring a charge against him. 11 He said to them, What man of you, if he has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the sabbath, will not grab hold of it and lift it out? 12 Of how much more value is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is right to do good on the sabbath. 13 Then he said to the man, Hold out your hand. He held it out, and it was restored, sound as the other. 14 But the Pharisees went out and took counsel against him, how they might destroy him.) ) Between the close of chapter 11 and the beginning of chapter 12 there is a twofold connection. First, the phrase at that time of 12:1 recalls 11:25.

Though the words are rather indefinite, they do indicate that the events introduced cannot have been very far removed from each other in time.��494�� And secondly, as to material content, the burden of superimposed legalism from which Jesus promised to deliver all who would come to him (11:28 30) receives a double illustration in 12:1 14, which passage implies that a heavy load of sabbath rules and regulations had been placed on the people s shoulders by scribes and Pharisees.) 1. Now at that time Jesus on the sabbath went through the fields of standing grain. Grain was evidently ripening. This process, varying with the altitude, occurred during a period extending from the spring of the year until mid-summer. In Palestine s warm Jordan Valley barley ripens during April; in Transjordan and the region east of the Sea of Galilee wheat is harvested in August. Exactly when it was that Jesus and his disciples went through the fields of standing grain is not stated in the text.

The place is even more indefinite than the time. A. T. Robertson s suggestion that the event took place probably in Galilee on the way back from Jerusalem may be as good a guess as any.��495�� But it is no more than a conjecture.) The translation fields of standing grain leans heavily upon the context for its justification. Literally and etymologically the reference is simply to that which was sown. However, the context shows that when the trip on a path through the grain fields occurred, harvest time had arrived or was soon to arrive.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.6|AUTODETECT|” His disciples were hungry.& This is related by Matthew alone, though also implied by Mark (2:25) and Luke (6:3). No longer being regularly engaged in their earlier occupations it is not surprising that at times the disciples how many at this time is not indicated were hungry. Jesus, too, experienced not only thirst 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.6|AUTODETECT|” John 4:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.7|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.7|AUTODETECT|” 7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.18|AUTODETECT|” ) but also hunger 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.18|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 21:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). This little group was poor, needy, and now also hungry.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.23.25|AUTODETECT|” For people in such a condition the law had made special provision 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.23.25|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 23:25) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ): When you enter your neighbor s field of standing grain, you may pick the heads of grain with your hand, but you must not thrust a scythe into your neighbor s standing grain. ) 1 1 2 8 0 0 What the disciples did to relieve their hunger is related variously in the Synoptics. Mark merely states that they started to pick the heads of grain; Matthew: and began to pick heads of grain and to eat them. This eating is also implied by Mark (2:26). Luke, more complete on this point than either of the others, has, His disciples began picking and eating the heads of grain, rubbing them with their hands. ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.9|AUTODETECT|” As to these heads of grain, some prefer & of wheat. ��496�� Since by us wheat is generally thought of as most closely related to the staff of life, so that we think of it first of all in connection with the stilling of hunger, and also since the recorded event must not be dated too early in the year (barley ripens before wheat), it is not difficult to understand that there are those who favor the rendering wheat. This may well be correct. It is but fair to add, however, that A. T. Robertson, in his Word Pictures (see my footnote above) makes allowance for the possibility that the grain to which Matthew refers was barley. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.9|AUTODETECT|” John 6:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.13|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.13|AUTODETECT|” 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=8.1.22|AUTODETECT|” . Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=8.1.22|AUTODETECT|” Ruth 1:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=8.2.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=8.2.17|AUTODETECT|” 2:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=8.2.23|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=8.2.23|AUTODETECT|” 23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=8.3.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=8.3.2|AUTODETECT|” 3:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=8.3.15|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=8.3.15|AUTODETECT|” 15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=8.3.17|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=8.3.17|AUTODETECT|” 17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.1|AUTODETECT|” . If we knew more definitely where and when the event related in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.1|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 12:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.2|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.2|AUTODETECT|” 2) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 occurred it would be easier to prove which grain was meant.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.5.18|AUTODETECT|” To satisfy their hunger and in full accordance with the law of Deuteronomy, as has already been shown, the disciples began to pick the heads and to eat the grain after rubbing it out with their hands. On the part of those who hated Christ and were trying to find some excuse for having him condemned there was an immediate reaction, as is shown in verse 2. But the Pharisees saw it and said, See here, your disciples are doing what is not permitted on the sabbath. On the hostile attitude of the Pharisees toward Jesus see what has been said earlier, in connection with 3:7; 5:17 20; 9:11, 34. By means of their hairsplitting legalism these men were constantly burying God s law under the heavy load of their traditions, as has become clear from the explanation of 5:21 48; see also on 15:1 11 and on chapter 23. Filled with envy they were always watching Jesus to see whether something he said or did could be used as a charge against him, so as to destroy him.

As to the Pharisees here referred to, whether they had come a great distance having traveled on his heels, perhaps from Judea back to Galilee, as some think or were from nearby, one thing is certain: their intentions were not honorable. There was murder in their hearts. See verse 14. Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.5.18|AUTODETECT|” John 5:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.7.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.7.19|AUTODETECT|” 7:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.40|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.40|AUTODETECT|” 8:40) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.8-2.20.11|AUTODETECT|” Suddenly they confront Jesus, blaming him for allowing his disciples to profane the sabbath. Was not work forbidden on the seventh day 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.8-2.20.11|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 20:8 11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.34.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.34.21|AUTODETECT|” 34:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.5.12-5.5.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.5.12-5.5.15|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 5:12 15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.2.24|AUTODETECT|” )? Had not the rabbis drawn up a catalogue of thirty-nine principal works, subdivided into many minor categories, so that, for example, plucking heads of grain was considered reaping, and rubbing out the grain threshing?��497�� And here were the disciples engaged in these very activities and even enjoying the fruits of their sins: they were eating this ill-gotten grain! And Jesus was doing nothing about it. According to the passage now under discussion 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.2.24|AUTODETECT|” Mark 2:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.2|AUTODETECT|” ) the charge was leveled against Jesus himself. According to ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.2|AUTODETECT|” Luke 6:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.24|AUTODETECT|” it is the disciples who are being accused. Since both were involved there is no real discrepancy here 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.24|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 10:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.25|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.25|AUTODETECT|” 25) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.20|AUTODETECT|” John 15:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.1-2.20.6|AUTODETECT|” In his answer Jesus, who elsewhere gave the true, spiritual interpretation of the first and second commandments 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.1-2.20.6|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 20:1 6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.37|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.37|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 22:37) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.38|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.38|AUTODETECT|” 38) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.7|AUTODETECT|” , which summarizes the entire first table of the law), of the third commandment and the ninth 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.7|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 20:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.19.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.19.12|AUTODETECT|” Lev. 19:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.30.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.30.2|AUTODETECT|” Num. 30:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.23.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.23.21|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 23:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.33-40.5.37|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.33-40.5.37|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 5:33 37) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.12|AUTODETECT|” ), the fifth and eighth 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.12|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 20:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.15|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.15|AUTODETECT|” 15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.15.3-40.15.6|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.15.3-40.15.6|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 15:3 6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.13|AUTODETECT|” ), the sixth 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.13|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 20:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.21-40.5.26|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.21-40.5.26|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 5:21 26) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.38-40.5.42|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.38-40.5.42|AUTODETECT|” 38 42) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.14|AUTODETECT|” ), the seventh 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.14|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 20:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.27-40.5.32|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.27-40.5.32|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 5:27 32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.19.3-40.19.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.19.3-40.19.12|AUTODETECT|” 19:3 12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.17|AUTODETECT|” ), and the tenth 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.17|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 20:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.13-42.12.21|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.13-42.12.21|AUTODETECT|” Luke 12:13 21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.16.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.16.14|AUTODETECT|” 16:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.16.19-42.16.31|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.16.19-42.16.31|AUTODETECT|” 19 31) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.39|AUTODETECT|” ; see also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.39|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 22:39) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.8-2.20.11|AUTODETECT|” , in which the entire second table is summarized), now reveals the true meaning of the fourth commandment 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.8-2.20.11|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 20:8 11) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Implied in his interpretation, but in this case not stated in so many words, is a condemnation of the false explanation which the rabbis had superimposed upon this commandment and which in the days of Christ s sojourn on earth was being widely propagated by scribes and Pharisees. They were either completely ignoring or else leaving insufficient room in their teaching for the following truths, which also summarize Christ s teaching as now presented.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.3|AUTODETECT|” a. Necessity knows no law 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.3|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 12:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 and 4)) 1 2 2 8 0 0 b. Every rule has its exception (verses 5 and 6)) c. Showing mercy is always right (verses 7 and 11)) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.2.27|AUTODETECT|” d. The sabbath was made for man, not vice versa 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.2.27|AUTODETECT|” Mark 2:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ); and) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.8|AUTODETECT|” e. Sovereign Ruler over all, including the sabbath, is the Son of man 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.12.8|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 12:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ; cf. verse 6).) 1 2 2 8 0 0 a. Necessity knows no law) 3, 4. He said to them, Have you not read what David did when he and those with him were hungry: how he entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which neither he nor those with him but only the priests were allowed to eat? Have you not read? As if to say, You pride yourselves in being the very people who uphold the law and you deem yourselves to be so thoroughly versed in it as to be able to teach others; yet are you yourselves unacquainted with the fact that even this very law allowed its ceremonial restrictions to be ignored in cases of necessity? Have you not read about David and the bread?

This reference is to consecrated bread, showbread, literally bread of the presence, twelve loaves of bread laid in two rows and displayed on the table of showbread before the Lord. The twelve loaves represented Israel s twelve tribes and symbolized the constant fellowship of the people with their God, receiving their bread from him, eating with him, being consecrated to him, and gratefully acknowledging their indebtedness to him by means of this offering.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.25.30|AUTODETECT|” This bread was changed for fresh loaves every sabbath. The old loaves were eaten by the priests 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.25.30|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 25:30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.21.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.21.6|AUTODETECT|” I Sam. 21:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.24.9|AUTODETECT|” ). The rule was that this holy bread was for Aaron and his sons, that is, for the priesthood, definitely not for everybody 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.24.9|AUTODETECT|” Lev. 24:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.21.1-9.21.6|AUTODETECT|” ). Yet when Ahimelech, functioning in the days of Abiathar the high-priest 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.21.1-9.21.6|AUTODETECT|” I Sam. 21:1 6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.2.26|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.2.26|AUTODETECT|” Mark 2:26) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.16.12|AUTODETECT|” ), realized that David and his men were hungry, and became convinced that the man whom God had anointed to be king over Israel 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.16.12|AUTODETECT|” I Sam. 16:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.16.13|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.16.13|AUTODETECT|” 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.21.5|AUTODETECT|” ) had undertaken a sacred mission 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.21.5|AUTODETECT|” I Sam. 21:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.21.1|AUTODETECT|” ), he gave him the bread needed by this future king and by his retinue. David, having entered the house of God, that is, the tabernacle in Nob 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.21.1|AUTODETECT|” I Sam. 21:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.22.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.22.9|AUTODETECT|” 22:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.13|AUTODETECT|” ) ate this bread. If then David had a right to ignore a divinely ordained ceremonial provision when necessity demanded this for, surely, Jehovah s anointed had a right and a duty to maintain himself physically, and so did his hungry attendants! then would not David s great Antitype, namely, Jesus, God s Anointed in a far more exalted sense, have the right to set aside a totally unwarranted, man-made sabbath regulation? The aptness of this historical reference appears all the more clearly when the fact is considered that a parallel is drawn here between, on the one hand, David and his followers, and on the other, Jesus and his disciples. Though, to be sure, during the old dispensation ceremonial laws were instituted to be obeyed, yet it would be hard to prove that even then a higher law in this case the principle that human life and health must be preserved 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.13|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 20:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.39|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.39|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 22:39) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.19|AUTODETECT|” b; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.19|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 6:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) could not under certain circumstances invalidate or at least modify an ordinance of lesser significance. All the more was there good reason in the case of Jesus and his disciples to ignore a purely rabbinical regulation regarding sabbath observance, a rule resting upon nothing more solid than a misinterpretation and misapplication of God s holy law.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 b. Every rule has its exception) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.24.8|AUTODETECT|” The principle announced in verses 3 and 4 applies always, sabbath or no sabbath. What David did when he ate the consecrated bread was right and necessary, whether it was done on the sabbath or on any other day of the week. Turning now specifically to God s ordinances regarding the sabbath, Jesus continued, 5, 6. Or have you not read in the law how on the sabbath the priests in the temple break the sabbath, yet are guiltless? On the sabbath the priests were kept very busy 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.24.8|AUTODETECT|” Lev. 24:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.24.9|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.24.9|AUTODETECT|” 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.28.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.28.9|AUTODETECT|” Num. 28:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.28.10|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.28.10|AUTODETECT|” 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=13.9.32|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=13.9.32|AUTODETECT|” I Chron. 9:32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=13.23.31|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=13.23.31|AUTODETECT|” 23:31) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=14.8.12-14.8.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=14.8.12-14.8.14|AUTODETECT|” II Chron. 8:12 14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=14.23.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=14.23.4|AUTODETECT|” 23:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=14.31.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=14.31.2|AUTODETECT|” 31:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=14.31.3|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=14.31.3|AUTODETECT|” 3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.8-2.20.11|AUTODETECT|” ), all this in spite of the sabbath commandment found in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.8-2.20.11|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 20:8 11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.5.12-5.5.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.5.12-5.5.15|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 5:12 15) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . What happens in such a case is that a higher law, demanding that everything be done to make possible the worship of God by the people, modifies and restricts the too literal interpretation of the regulation concerning sabbath rest. So also today no one in his right mind will blame a minister for preaching and/or administering the sacraments on the Lord s Day. The trouble with the Pharisees when they found fault with Jesus and his disciples was this, that they not only placed rabbinical tradition on a par with God s written law, which often in practice amounted to elevating it above the written law, but that in addition to this they attached an all but absolute value to specific traditions. Not even the divine law as recorded in the Decalog, says Jesus as it were, was to be applied with such rigidity. Otherwise how could the priests have performed their work on the sabbath?) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.37-40.22.40|AUTODETECT|” The remark has been heard: Every rule has its exception. This is a rule. Therefore it has its exception. The exception in the present case is, of course, the basic principle expressed by Jesus in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.37-40.22.40|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 22:37 40) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.29-41.12.31|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.29-41.12.31|AUTODETECT|” Mark 12:29 31) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.27|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.27|AUTODETECT|” Luke 10:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , whatever be the wording of this principle. That basic principle applies always and everywhere.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.9|AUTODETECT|” In an authoritative manner Jesus adds, And I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. Meaning: If even an earthly temple, which was but a type, demanded modification of the fourth commandment, literally interpreted, would not its far superior Antitype, namely, Jesus Christ, who was addressing the Pharisees here and now, and in whom all the fulness of the godhead dwells bodily 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.9|AUTODETECT|” Col. 2:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.30|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.30|AUTODETECT|” John 10:30) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), have the right to make a similar demand? Surely, something greater than the temple, a treasure infinitely more precious, a gift from heaven immeasurably more valuable, an authority endowed with rights far more magisterial, was speaking to them.) 1 2 2 8 0 0 c. Showing mercy is always right) Repeating what he had said on another occasion accordingly for the meaning of the passage see on 9:13 the Lord continues, 7. However, if you had known what this means, I desire mercy and not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the guiltless. That was exactly the trouble with these Pharisees: they lacked pity. They did not love kindness. Therefore the hunger which plagued the disciples of Jesus failed to kindle within the hearts of their critics any feeling of tenderness or eagerness to help. Instead they were condemning the disciples. As to Jesus, they not only condemned him but secretly rejoiced in having discovered another reason, as they saw it, for causing him to be destroyed.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.5.6|AUTODETECT|” With respect to what the disciples were doing to those heads of grain, these hungry men were entirely guiltless. In no sense whatever were they transgressing any divine commandment. Yet the Pharisees, these hypocrites, with murder in their hearts, were condemning them. Yes, them but especially their Master 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.5.6|AUTODETECT|” James 5:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.6.6|AUTODETECT|” ). If they had only taken to heart the words of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.6.6|AUTODETECT|” Hosea 6:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 they would have known that showing mercy is right on any day of the week, including most certainly the sabbath!) 1 1 2 8 0 0 d. The sabbath was made for man, not vice versa) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.2.27|AUTODETECT|” This statement of our Lord, in further defense of his disciples, is found in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.2.27|AUTODETECT|” Mark 2:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.8|AUTODETECT|” , where it immediately precedes the words, Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath, paralleled in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.8|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 12:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . The sabbath was instituted to be a blessing for man: to keep him healthy, to make him happy, and to render him holy. Man was not created to be the sabbath s slave.) 1 2 2 8 0 0 e. Sovereign ruler over all, including the Sabbath, is the Son of man) In line with the saying of verse 6 , Jesus concludes this grainfield sabbath controversy by saying, 8. For the Son of man is Lord of the sabbath. The conjunction for is not difficult to understand. Jesus has just now pronounced his disciples guiltless. They were indeed without any guilt with respect to the charge made against them by the Pharisees, for in picking and (after rubbing out the grain) eating this food they were doing what Jesus allowed and wanted them to do.

They were recognizing his lordship rather than the lordship of the Pharisees and their oft foolish traditions. The disciples were right in so doing, for the Son of man is indeed Lord of the sabbath. They were correct when they placed obedience to him above slavish observance of arbitrary, man-made sabbath ritual. Is not the Son of man for which term see on 8:20 Lord over all (11:27; 28:18)? Would he not then be Lord of the sabbath also? Guilty are those who imagine that they can honor the sabbath while dishonoring its Lord.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.4.16-42.4.27|AUTODETECT|” Jesus, as Lord of the sabbath, not only honored it by regularly attending the synagogue services on that day but also by at times taking a leading part 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.4.16-42.4.27|AUTODETECT|” Luke 4:16 27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.13.10-42.13.17|AUTODETECT|” ). Again, he honored it by performing acts of mercy and healing on that day 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.13.10-42.13.17|AUTODETECT|” Luke 13:10 17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.14.1-42.14.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.14.1-42.14.6|AUTODETECT|” 14:1 6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.5.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.5.9|AUTODETECT|” John 5:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.7.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.7.23|AUTODETECT|” 7:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.9.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.9.14|AUTODETECT|” 9:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.57-40.27.60|AUTODETECT|” ). Also, he hallowed it by resting in the tomb on that day, thereby sanctifying the grave for his followers 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.57-40.27.60|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 27:57 60) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.15.42|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.15.42|AUTODETECT|” Mark 15:42) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.15.46|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.15.46|AUTODETECT|” 46) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.16.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.16.1|AUTODETECT|” 16:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.23.53|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.23.53|AUTODETECT|” Luke 23:53) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.23.54|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.23.54|AUTODETECT|” 54) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.1|AUTODETECT|” 24:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Moreover he did justice to it by fulfilling its symbolic significance.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.4.8|AUTODETECT|” During the old dispensation the week began with six days of LABOR. These were followed by one day of REST. Later, by the labor of his vicarious suffering Christ, the great Highpriest, procured for the people of God the eternal sabbath rest 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.4.8|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 4:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.4.9|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.4.9|AUTODETECT|” 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.4.14|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.4.14|AUTODETECT|” 14) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). By faith in him believers even now (in principle!) enter into this REST, which is constantly being followed by their LABOR of love, that is, by their works of gratitude for salvation already obtained for them as a free gift. The order LABOR REST is therefore changed to REST LABOR: very appropriately the week now begins with the day of REST. In summary, Jesus asserted his authority over the sabbath by interpreting it by word and deed as being a day of true freedom, a day of rejoicing, of rendering service of love to each and to all, and, in and through it all, by worshiping God above everything else!) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.6.6|AUTODETECT|” The truths mentioned above, in items b, c, d, and e, apply also to the next sabbath controversy. Not so directly item a, for it was not immediately apparent that the man with a shriveled hand needed to be cured on the sabbath. Humanly speaking one might argue that such a restoration of a paralyzed hand could wait until the next day. Here, then, the Pharisees seem to be on safer ground. They jump at the opportunity, not even waiting for Jesus to take the initiative. Note their eagerness: 9, 10.

He went on from there and entered their synagogue. And look, a man with a shriveled hand! Is it right to heal on the sabbath? they asked him [Jesus], aiming to bring a charge against him. From the grainfield the action now shifts to the synagogue. It is sabbath. In walks a man with a lame hand.

It is moreover his right hand 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.6|AUTODETECT|” Luke 6:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The apocryphal Gospel according to the Hebrews states that the man was a stonemason, who pleaded with Jesus to heal him that he might not have to spend his life as a beggar. Be that as it may, the point is that this is a sabbath, and though there may well have been a difference of opinion between the disciples of Shammai, with their stricter interpretation of sabbath observance, and those of Hillel, with their more lenient view the more rigorous position prevailing in Jerusalem, the more lenient in Galilee the rule that only in such cases in which a man s life was actually in danger would it be permissible to heal him on the sabbath was widely endorsed.��498�� Would Jesus dare to oppose this rule, by the Pharisees regarded as a well-established and basic principle which must not be violated?) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.8|AUTODETECT|” Secretly the opponents hope that by word and/or deed Jesus may trample upon their rule of conduct. Thus basely motivated (see verse 14) they ask him, Is it right to heal on the sabbath? Their purpose is to bring a charge against him. Do they fail to realize that their own wicked motivation is the grossest sabbath desecration of all, a sin so damning that in the sight of the Almighty it constitutes a most grievous charge against them? Also, do they fail to realize that Jesus knows their thoughts 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.8|AUTODETECT|” Luke 6:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 )?) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.3|AUTODETECT|” The Lord of the sabbath (see verse 8) orders the man to stand up before the entire assembly 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.3|AUTODETECT|” Mark 3:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.6.8|AUTODETECT|” Luke 6:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), as if to say to one and all, Look at him; study his hand, and consider what his condition means to him. Does he not arouse your sympathy? Next, Jesus answers the question of his critics. He does so by, as it were, turning the tables on them. By means of a counter-question he makes these Pharisees answer their own question: 11, 12. He said to them, What man of you, if he has a��499�� sheep and it falls into a pit on the sabbath, will not grab hold of it and lift it out?

Of how much more value is a man than a sheep! It is safe to infer from the question asked by Jesus that at least at that time and place it was not regarded wrong to rescue a sheep that had suffered such a mishap, regardless of whether the accident occurred on a sabbath or on any other day. That being so, is not a human being of more value than a sheep? If on the sabbath doing good to an animal is allowed, then all the more it is right and proper on that day to show kindness to a man, God s image-bearer!) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=33.6.6-33.6.8|AUTODETECT|” Must such help be offered only when life is in danger? Jesus does not even enter into this question, except by implication. That implication is very clear: showing mercy is always right (see above, p. 512, point c.). Ethical conduct is ever far more important than ceremonial obedience. If the Pharisees had only made a more thorough and unbiased study of their own truly sacred scriptures 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=33.6.6-33.6.8|AUTODETECT|” Mic. 6:6 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.6|AUTODETECT|” ) they would have known this! Certainly, because a man is incomparably more valuable in the sight of God than a sheep, Therefore it is right to do good on the sabbath, that is, to be a blessing to man, not to remain indifferent to his needs. For this type of argument see also 6:26, 30; 10:29, 31 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.6|AUTODETECT|” Luke 12:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.7|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.7|AUTODETECT|” 7) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.4|AUTODETECT|” These words, Therefore it is right to do good on the sabbath must have been spoken with deep earnestness. They may have been uttered both as a positive statement (thus Matthew) and in question form, Is it lawful on the sabbath to do good or to inflict injury, to save a life or to kill? 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.4|AUTODETECT|” Mark 3:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.9|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.9|AUTODETECT|” Luke 6:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). But if the question form alone was used, did it not imply Christ s affirmation of the thesis that it is indeed right to do good on the sabbath? A real conflict between the Gospel writers cannot be proved therefore. It was Jesus himself who was about to do good to this man. Christ s critics, on the other hand, were harboring thoughts of murder, the murder of the Benefactor (verse 14). Which was best?) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.8|AUTODETECT|” Jesus, looking around, studies the faces of his opponents and reads their inner secrets 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.8|AUTODETECT|” Luke 6:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.10|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.10|AUTODETECT|” 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.5|AUTODETECT|” ). His cheeks are glowing with holy indignation. He is grieved at their hardness of heart 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.5|AUTODETECT|” Mark 3:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.4|AUTODETECT|” ). No one is able to answer him. The Pharisees cannot very well deny that to do good on any day, and certainly on the sabbath, is right and proper. Yet to admit this openly means surrender for them. So an embarrassed, chilling silence prevails in their ranks 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.4|AUTODETECT|” Mark 3:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). With bated breath the rest of the people are also watching, wondering what will happen now. The atmosphere in the synagogue is surcharged with uneasiness on the one hand, expectancy on the other. The man with the withered hand is still standing there, in full view of the audience.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.7.34|AUTODETECT|” Jesus is about to perform the miracle demanded by this situation. He must act now, not later. For him to have waited until the following day could easily have been interpreted as an admission on his part that deeds of healing are after all wrong when performed on the sabbath. Such a delay, accordingly, would have compounded error. This must not be. Now is the time.

So, after this searching look all around, the Master rivets his attention upon the handicapped man. 13. Then he said to the man, Hold out your hand. He held it out, and it was restored,��500�� sound as the other. The cure is instantaneous and complete. Subsequent treatments or even check-ups are not required. The right hand is now as sound as the left.

It must be emphasized also that the cure took place in connection with the man s act of obedience. Nevertheless, for the miracle itself we must give all the credit and the glory to Jesus, to him alone. He did not touch the man. In fact, not even by means of a single syllable did he order the hand to be cured 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.7.34|AUTODETECT|” Mark 7:34) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). He merely told the man to stretch out his hand and it was made well. In a manner too mysterious for any mortal to comprehend, the Savior had concentrated his mind on the plight of this poor man, had become filled with compassion, and in the sight of everyone present had willed and performed the cure!) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.14.0|AUTODETECT|” Did this astounding deed of might and mercy convince the Pharisees of their error? Did they now confess their guilt? Not at all. They hated Jesus all the more because of what he had done on the sabbath. As they saw it, imparting health and happiness to a man by removing his handicap was a crime when it was done on the sabbath, but plotting on that same day to destroy the Healer amounted to a meritorious ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.14.0|AUTODETECT|” act. 14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.11|AUTODETECT|” . But the Pharisees went out and took counsel against him, how they might destroy him. Had it been possible they would have been glad to kill Jesus right now, for they were filled with rage 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.11|AUTODETECT|” Luke 6:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.18.3|AUTODETECT|” ). Two obstacles made it difficult for them to carry out their wicked plan immediately: a. the Roman government 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.18.3|AUTODETECT|” John 18:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.11|AUTODETECT|” ), and b. the spectators. The deeply impressed synagogue audience would not have tolerated any drastic action against Jesus at this time. What could be done in this situation? To find a solution to their problem the Pharisees, those very men who were always boasting about their extraordinary holiness, at times carrying their high opinion of themselves to the very throne of God 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.11|AUTODETECT|” Luke 18:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.12|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.12|AUTODETECT|” 12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.6|AUTODETECT|” ), now consult with & of all people, the thoroughly unholy, worldly Herodians 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.6|AUTODETECT|” Mark 3:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.13|AUTODETECT|” ), a political party that supported Herod s dynasty! Misery makes strange bedfellows, especially when it is linked with envy. Together the two groups now plot how to crush Jesus. See also on 3:7 and on 22:16 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.13|AUTODETECT|” Mark 12:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.2.0|AUTODETECT|” ). These bitter enemies of the Lord should have read and taken to heart ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.2.0|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 2) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 2 2 8 0 0 ) 12:15 21 The Chosen Servant) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.7-41.3.12|AUTODETECT|” Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.7-41.3.12|AUTODETECT|” Mark 3:7 12) 1 12 2 8 0 0 15 Jesus, aware of this, departed from that place. Many followed him, and he healed them all. 16 And he warned them not to make him known, 17 in order that what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled:) 18 Behold, my servant whom I have chosen,) My beloved, with whom my soul is well pleased.) I will put my Spirit upon him,) And he shall proclaim justice to the Gentiles.) 19 He shall not quarrel or shout,) Nor shall anyone hear his voice in the streets.) 20 A bruised reed he shall not break,) And a smoldering wick he shall not quench,) Until he leads justice on to victory.) 21 And in his name shall the Gentiles hope. ) ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.66|AUTODETECT|” Since Jesus was fully aware of the murderous intent of his enemies, and since he also knew that the time for his departure from this earth had not as yet arrived, we are not surprised to read: 15. Jesus, aware of this, departed from that place. But even in his departure he was thinking not only of himself but of those elsewhere for whom he could be a blessing: Many followed him, and he healed them all. For explanation see on 4:23 25; 9:35; and 11:5. He did all this for people many of whom were going to reject him. Cf. 11:20 24; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.66|AUTODETECT|” John 6:66) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . As to 16. And he warned them not to make him known, see the detailed explanation of 8:4, especially points b., c., and d. See also on 9:30.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.42.2|AUTODETECT|” Jesus was not seeking fame. He did not wish to stand out as a worker of miracles. Vain display, earthly glory, matters such as these did not constitute the reason for his incarnation and sojourn among men. They were completely out of harmony with the humble Servant of Jehovah of Isaiah s prophecies. This explains verse 17. in order that what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled. To prove Christ s unassuming, gentle, and retiring nature a reference to ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.42.2|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 42:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.42.3|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.42.3|AUTODETECT|” 3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.42.1-23.42.4|AUTODETECT|” would probably have sufficed, but it is Matthew s desire to quote also the preceding and following context, in order that Messiah s glory may become all the more strikingly evident, and the wickedness of his opponents stand out more clearly by contrast. Accordingly, what is offered here in 12:18 21 is ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.42.1-23.42.4|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 42:1 4) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 as interpreted by Christ s fully inspired apostle Matthew. It is not a word for word reproduction but the result of profound sympathetic reflection. And a careful comparison of the Hebrew original with Matthew s version leaves no doubt about the fact that the former publican had indeed caught the thrust of Isaiah s strikingly beautiful description of the coming Christ.��501��) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.42.1-23.42.4|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 42:1 4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.49.1-23.49.9|AUTODETECT|” is the first of four prophecies regarding the Servant of Jehovah. The others are ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.49.1-23.49.9|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 49:1 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.50.4-23.50.9|AUTODETECT|” a; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.50.4-23.50.9|AUTODETECT|” 50:4 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.61.1|AUTODETECT|” ; and 52:13 53:12 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.61.1|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 61:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ff.). Matthew s version begins as follows:) 1 4 2 8 0 0 18. Behold, my servant whom I have chosen,) My beloved with whom my soul is well pleased.) I will put my Spirit upon him,) And he shall proclaim justice to the Gentiles.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.42.1-23.42.4|AUTODETECT|” It is clear from the entire context that when Matthew in his own way quotes ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.42.1-23.42.4|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 42:1 4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.42.0|AUTODETECT|” he refers this prophecy directly to Jesus Christ, God s beloved Son, the Mediator between God and man. Matthew interprets ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.42.0|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 42) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.0|AUTODETECT|” as Philip the evangelist and as the apostles John and Peter interpreted ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.0|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 53) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.8.26-44.8.35|AUTODETECT|” 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.8.26-44.8.35|AUTODETECT|” Acts 8:26 35) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.37-43.12.43|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.37-43.12.43|AUTODETECT|” John 12:37 43) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.24|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 2:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.42.0|AUTODETECT|” ). In fact, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.42.0|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 42) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.0|AUTODETECT|” cannot be separated from ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.0|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 53) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.42.1-23.42.4|AUTODETECT|” . Because of 42:6, 7 (cf. 9:2, 6) it is simply impossible to intepret ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.42.1-23.42.4|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 42:1 4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.49.6|AUTODETECT|” intelligibly except as referring to and being fulfilled in Christ. Moreover, as to the marvelous things said about the Servant of Jehovah in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.49.6|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 49:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.0|AUTODETECT|” 53) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 (the entire chapter); and 55:3 5, to whom could such statements refer if not to the Son of God who is also the Son of man? Those who refer such passages to Israel forget that 53:6 draws a sharp distinction between a. the people who have gone astray and b. the Servant upon whom Jehovah places the burden of their iniquity (see also verses 4, 5, 8, and 12).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.3.17|AUTODETECT|” Matthew, then, draws a sharp contrast between a. Christ s wicked opponents, in this case the Pharisees, who are seeking to destroy him (12:14), and b. Christ himself, the Father s beloved Son 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.3.17|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 3:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.9.35|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.9.35|AUTODETECT|” Luke 9:35) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.13|AUTODETECT|” Col. 1:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.1.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.1.17|AUTODETECT|” II Peter 1:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.1.18|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.1.18|AUTODETECT|” 18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.2.6-19.2.12|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.2.6-19.2.12|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 2:6 12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.34|AUTODETECT|” ), ever eager to do the will of his Sender 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.34|AUTODETECT|” John 4:34) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.5.30|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.5.30|AUTODETECT|” 5:30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.5.36|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.5.36|AUTODETECT|” 36) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.4|AUTODETECT|” 17:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.3.16|AUTODETECT|” It is upon this divine and human Redeemer that the Father pours out his Spirit, and this without measure 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.3.16|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 3:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.34|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.34|AUTODETECT|” John 3:34) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.35|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.35|AUTODETECT|” 35) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.45.7|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.45.7|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 45:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.11.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.11.2|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 11:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.61.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.61.1|AUTODETECT|” 61:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.4.18|AUTODETECT|” ff.). As a result 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.4.18|AUTODETECT|” Luke 4:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) the Mediator carries out his prophetic activity, namely, that of proclaiming justice, that which is right, in harmony with the will of God: that sinners repent, come to (that is, believe in) the Savior, find salvation in him, and out of gratitude live to the glory of their Benefactor. See further on verse 21.) 1 3 2 8 0 0 In close connection with verse 16 the attitude of the Spirit-filled Mediator between God and man is now pointed out. His frame of mind and heart is the very opposite of that of his enemies:) 19. He shall not quarrel or shout,) Nor shall anyone hear his voice in the streets.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.5.11|AUTODETECT|” The shouting mentioned here is not that of religious rejoicing 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.5.11|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 5:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.32.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.32.11|AUTODETECT|” 32:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.12.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.12.6|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 12:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.9.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.9.9|AUTODETECT|” Zech. 9:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.32.18|AUTODETECT|” , etc.), nor of battle or victory 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.32.18|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 32:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=30.1.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=30.1.14|AUTODETECT|” Amos 1:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.6.20|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.6.20|AUTODETECT|” Josh. 6:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=21.9.17|AUTODETECT|” ). It rather resembles the raving of a ruler among fools, as contrasted with the words of the wise spoken and received in an atmosphere of blessed quietness 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=21.9.17|AUTODETECT|” Eccl. 9:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.34.14|AUTODETECT|” ). It is like the riotous screaming which by popular belief was ascribed to the satyr 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.34.14|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 34:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.19|AUTODETECT|” ). It is, as the passage 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.19|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 12:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.21|AUTODETECT|” ) clearly shows, the kind of shouting that is associated with quarreling. Think of the nasty public wrangling among those who have just lost a game, the uproarious fulmination of the demagogue as he stirs up the people in the streets, the boisterous boasting and fighting of the Bacchus parade 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.21|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 5:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.42.1-23.42.4|AUTODETECT|” ), etc. Completely different is the meek and gentle Savior. See 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.42.1-23.42.4|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 42:1 4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.57.15|AUTODETECT|” ) ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.57.15|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 57:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.9.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.9.9|AUTODETECT|” Zech. 9:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.19.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.19.11|AUTODETECT|” I Kings 19:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.19.12|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.19.12|AUTODETECT|” 12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.7-40.5.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.7-40.5.9|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 5:7 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.5|AUTODETECT|” 21:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.23.34|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.23.34|AUTODETECT|” Luke 23:34) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . Continued:) 1 3 2 8 0 0 20. A bruised reed he shall not break,) And a smoldering wick he shall not quench.��502��) In a context that speaks of justice being proclaimed to the Gentiles, and of the Gentiles hoping in his name it is well-nigh certain that the terms bruised��503�� reed��504�� and smoldering��505�� wick��506�� must be taken figuratively, as referring to those from afar, to the weak and helpless, those of little faith, etc. What a contrast between the cruelty of the Pharisees and the kindness of Jesus, between their vanity and his reserve, their love for display and his meekness. They plan murder (12:14) and are callous, indifferent to the agony of the handicapped (12:10). Is it lawful? Is it lawful? is their constant cry; never, Is it kind?

He is completely different. In fact, so very different that it would be incorrect to interpret the words of verse 20 in a purely negative manner, as if they merely meant to indicate what he would not do to those who fear that their faith will fail or that the tempter will prevail. On the contrary, these expressions belong to the figure of speech called litotes, by means of which a positive truth is conveyed by the negation of its opposite. The real significance of the bruised reed which he will not break and of the smoldering wick which he will not quench is therefore that he will treat with profound and genuine sympathy, with tender concern, whatever is near to exhaustion. He will impart strength to the weak, to all who while pining away ask him for help. He will heal the sick (4:23 25; 9:35; 11:5; 12:15), seek and save tax-collectors and sinners (9:9, 10), comfort mourners (5:4), cheer the fearful (14:13 21), reassure doubters (11:2 6), feed the famished (14:13 21), and grant pardon to those who repent of their sins (9:2).

He is the true Immanuel (see above, on 1:23).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.11.9|AUTODETECT|” He will never cease to do all this until he leads justice on to victory, that is, until at last, at the great consummation, sin and all its consequences will have been banished forever from God s redeemed universe. Then the justice of God (see above, on verse 18) will triumph completely, for the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of Jehovah as the waters cover the (bottom of the) sea 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.11.9|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 11:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.61.2|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.61.2|AUTODETECT|” 61:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.61.3|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.61.3|AUTODETECT|” 3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.61.11|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.61.11|AUTODETECT|” 11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.31.34|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.31.34|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 31:34) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.42|AUTODETECT|” It is not surprising therefore that according to the divine plan the time was coming when the command not to make Jesus known (12:16) would be withdrawn. Israel s Savior must become the world s Savior 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.42|AUTODETECT|” John 4:42) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.4.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.4.14|AUTODETECT|” I John 4:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.6.19|AUTODETECT|” ). The continuation, therefore, is natural: 21. And in his name, that is, in Christ as revealed to the world, shall the Gentiles hope. They shall place their firmly anchored 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.6.19|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 6:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.16|AUTODETECT|” ) confidence in the Lord Jesus Christ. The period of secrecy 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.16|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 12:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.22.15-1.22.18|AUTODETECT|” ) will be gradually replaced by that of wide publicity, when the church fulfils its mission among the Gentiles.��507�� A foreglimpse of this era of gospel proclamation and salvation for Gentiles as well as for Jews, predicted but not yet widely realized during the old dispensation 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.22.15-1.22.18|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 22:15 18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.72.8-19.72.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.72.8-19.72.11|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 72:8 11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.87.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.87.0|AUTODETECT|” 87) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.54.1-23.54.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.54.1-23.54.3|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 54:1 3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.60.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.60.3|AUTODETECT|” 60:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=39.1.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=39.1.11|AUTODETECT|” Mal. 1:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.2.1|AUTODETECT|” ), can be seen in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.2.1|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 2:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.2.2|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.2.2|AUTODETECT|” 2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.2.11|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.2.11|AUTODETECT|” 11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.8.10-40.8.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.8.10-40.8.12|AUTODETECT|” 8:10 12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.15.21-40.15.28|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.15.21-40.15.28|AUTODETECT|” 15:21 28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.2.32|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.2.32|AUTODETECT|” Luke 2:32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” a; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” John 3:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.18-40.28.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ch. 4; 10:16. For a larger measure of fulfilment see ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.18-40.28.20|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 28:18 20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.22.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.22.21|AUTODETECT|” Acts 22:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.11-49.2.22|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.11-49.2.22|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 2:11 22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.7.9-66.7.17|AUTODETECT|” . For the final result or victory see ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.7.9-66.7.17|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 7:9 17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 5 2 8 0 0 ) 12:22 37 Christ s Miracles: Proof of Beelzebul s Dominion or of His Doom?) 22 Then a demon-possessed man who could neither see nor speak was brought to him. And he healed him, so that the dumb man spoke and saw. 23 All the people were amazed and said, Surely, this cannot be the Son of David? 24 But when the Pharisees heard (this) they said, This fellow does not cast out demons but by Beelzebul the prince of the demons. 25 Knowing their thoughts he said to them, Every kingdom divided against itself is on the way to ruin, and no city or house divided against itself shall stand. 26 If Satan is engaged in casting out Satan he is divided against himself; How then shall his kingdom stand? 27 And if it is by Beelzebul that I cast out demons, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. 28 But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. 29 Or how can anyone enter the strong man s house and carry off his goods unless he first binds the strong man? It is only then that he will ransack his house. 30 He who is not with me is against me; he who does not gather with me scatters. 31 Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven men, but blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven. 32 And whoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him; but whoever shall speak against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, either in the present age or in the age to come.) 33 Either consider the tree to be good and its fruit good, or consider the tree to be sickly and its fruit sickly, for by the fruit the tree is known. 34 You offspring of vipers, how can you speak what is good when you yourselves are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 The good man from his good inner storehouse brings out what is good, and the evil man from his evil treasure brings out what is evil. 36 But I say to you that for every careless word that men shall speak they shall render account on the day of judgment. 37 For by your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned. ) ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.19-41.3.30|AUTODETECT|” For 12:22 32 cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.19-41.3.30|AUTODETECT|” Mark 3:19 30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.11.14-42.11.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.11.14-42.11.23|AUTODETECT|” Luke 11:14 23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.10|AUTODETECT|” 12:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.43-42.6.45|AUTODETECT|” For 12:33 37 cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.43-42.6.45|AUTODETECT|” Luke 6:43 45) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 2 8 0 0 22. Then a demon-possessed man who could neither see nor speak was brought to him. The adverb then is again very indefinite. As in 12:2, 10, and 14 so also here Jesus is in the company of his opponents. A demoniac afflicted with loss of sight and of speech is brought to him. For demon-possession in general and for the relation between it and physical afflictions see on 9:32.

And he healed him, so that the dumb man spoke and saw. Jesus cured him instantly and completely, so that the man who had been so grievously afflicted was now no longer demon-possessed nor blind nor dumb. Effect upon the spectators: 23. All the people were amazed and said, Surely, this cannot be the Son of David? The people who witnessed this miracle were utterly astounded. A feeling of amazement coupled no doubt with a measure of fear in the presence of the One who had performed this startling feat took possession of them.

If it were not, perhaps, too colloquial, we might say, They were knocked out of their senses. This, or something approaching it, preserves the flavor of the original. That the attention of the audience, having focused itself on the man who was the recipient of this triple blessing, was soon fixed upon the great Benefactor himself is clear from the question whether the latter might be the Son of David. For the meaning of this title see on 9:27. The question was so phrased that a modified negative answer was expected, somewhat on the order, No, he is probably not the Son of David & and yet, who else could he be, to perform such a miracle? The question was significant indeed!

Perhaps the people s state of mind at this moment might be described thus: the astonishing character of the miracle had convinced them that this Jesus could very well be the Messiah, but they do not dare to give definite vocal expression to this thought, especially because of the presence of Christ s bitter opponents, the Pharisees. Their question can also be rendered, Could this be the Son of David? Though the possibility that Jesus might be the Messiah is expressed ever so hesitantly, it is certainly an advance on the more or less neutral, What kind of person is this? (8:27).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.20.21|AUTODETECT|” But though we should guard ourselves against attaching too little significance to the question, we must equally refrain from reading too much into it. It must be borne in mind that even if it should be granted that these people, at least some of them, saw in Jesus the Messiah, the further question would still be, What kind of Messiah? Merely a deliverer from earthly woes, such as bodily afflictions and handicaps, yes even from demons, possibly also a potential rescuer from the Roman yoke, hence from degradation and oppression, all this.& but not from sin? Not from the evil underlying all other miseries, namely, man s alienation from God? The Messianic conception of many of the people, including to some extent Christ s own disciples, was distinctly materialistic, earthly, Judaistic 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.20.21|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 20:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.37-40.23.39|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.37-40.23.39|AUTODETECT|” 23:37 39) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.41|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.41|AUTODETECT|” Luke 19:41) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.42|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.42|AUTODETECT|” 42) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.6|AUTODETECT|” Acts 1:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.15|AUTODETECT|” John 6:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.35-43.6.42|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.35-43.6.42|AUTODETECT|” 35 42) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.22|AUTODETECT|” The very suggestion of the possibility, no matter how imperfectly and remotely conceived or presented, that Jesus might be the long awaited One, was poison to the Pharisees; particularly also to the scribes, who had come all the way from Jerusalem 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.22|AUTODETECT|” Mark 3:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.18|AUTODETECT|” ), no doubt to ensnare Jesus in his words and/or actions. Continued: 24. But when the Pharisees heard (this) they said, This fellow does not cast out demons but by Beelzebul the prince of the demons. This time, unlike in 12:2, 10, the opponents do not address Jesus directly but slander him behind his back. They basely ascribe his demon expulsions to the power of Beelzebul the prince of the demons. For a discussion of the title Beelzebul (=Satan) see on 10:25, including footnote 450. See also on 9:34. The charge leveled against Jesus by scribes and Pharisees was wicked. It was the result of envy. Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.18|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 27:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.26|AUTODETECT|” . They felt that they were beginning to lose their following, and this they were unable to endure. How completely different had been the attitude of John the Baptist 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.26|AUTODETECT|” John 3:26) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.30|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.30|AUTODETECT|” 30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.30|AUTODETECT|” ). The thoroughly shameful character of the charge becomes apparent also from the fact that it regards Beelzebul not as an evil spirit exerting his sinister influence upon Jesus from the outside; no, Satan is regarded as being inside the soul of Jesus. The latter is said to have an unclean spirit 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.30|AUTODETECT|” Mark 3:30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.48|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.48|AUTODETECT|” John 8:48) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.25|AUTODETECT|” ); in fact, to be himself Beelzebul 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.25|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 10:25) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 7 2 8 0 0 Replying to the charge that he is casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul, Jesus points out that a. it is absurd (verses 25, 26); b. it is also inconsistent (verse 27); c. it obscures the true situation (verses 28 30); d. it is unpardonable (verses 31, 32); and e. it exposes the wickedness of those who make it, showing whose sons these blasphemers really are, in the same way in which the good deeds and attitudes of others supply evidence to prove what kind of individuals these good men are inwardly (verses 33 37).) First of all, then, the charge is absurd.) 25, 26. Knowing their thoughts he said to them, Every kingdom divided against itself is on the way to ruin, and no city or house divided against itself shall stand. If Satan is engaged in casting out Satan he is divided against himself; how then shall his kingdom stand? The slander is ridiculous, thoroughly unreasonable, for if it were true Satan would be opposing Satan. He would be destroying his own work. First, he would be sending out his envoys, the demons, to work havoc in the hearts and lives of men.

Afterward, in base ingratitude and suicidal folly, he would be supplying the very power needed for the expulsion of his own obedient servants! Thus he would be breaking down his own empire. No kingdom, city, or household thus divided against itself can maintain itself.) Secondly, it is also inconsistent.) 27. And if it is by Beelzebul that I cast out demons, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. There were others besides Jesus and his disciples who claimed to possess the power to expel demons.

That occasionally such successful conjuration of evil spirits by the sons or disciples of the Pharisees may actually have occurred need not be disputed. See on 7:22. It is, however, not necessary either to prove or to disprove this. The point is: friends and followers of the Pharisees claimed that they possessed this power, and for reasons adequate or inadequate this claim was generally accepted. Naturally the teachers of these reputed exorcists were only too eager to accept their share of the credit, that is, to bask in reflected glory. But if the Pharisees were right in doing this, how could they with any kind of consistency oppose Jesus for engaging in the same type of work?

Let the sons then judge whether or not what their teachers said about the source of Jesus power to drive out demons was correct. If these sons should deem the charge to be correct, affirming therefore that he was actually expelling demons by the power of the demons, they would be condemning themselves. On the other hand, if they judge the charge to be false they are condemning their teachers and vindicating Jesus. Either way their verdict would be very embarrassing to Christ s opponents.) Another instance of the Master s use of this method of argumentation, by which the enemies lose whether they answer one way or the other, is reported in 21:23 27. On the other hand when they in this case the Pharisees supported by the Herodians confront Jesus with a dilemma, he not only eludes their trap but also in the process of doing so teaches them a lesson which they, as well as all people everywhere, should take to heart (22:15 22). Jesus is the Master of every situation.

So exalted is he!) Thirdly, it obscures.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.7.39|AUTODETECT|” The slander spread by the adversaries was not a slight deviation from a factual presentation but a wicked obscuration. It was the very opposite of the truth, for not by the power of an evil spirit but by the Spirit of God did Jesus cast out demons. How could it be otherwise? 28. But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. This if means if, as is actually the case. The very fact that Satan s kingdom is being proved vulnerable for his envoys are being driven out of men s hearts and lives shows that God s kingdom (see on 4:23) is making its presence felt.

It is in the process of gaining the victory over the realm of Satan. It is very clear from this passage that the term kingdom of God (Matthew s more usual designation is of heaven, see above, p. 87) indicates a reality that is not merely future but also present. It is a growing reality, a developing entity, each of its blessings being a harbinger of greater blessings still to come, until the never ending climax is reached in the great consummation, and even then perfection will in a sense be progressive.��508�� Even now, during Christ s earthly ministry, the sick were being healed, the dead raised, lepers cleansed, demons cast out, sins pardoned, truth spread, lies refuted. Instead of opposing and fighting this kingdom, let men everywhere enter it 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.7.39|AUTODETECT|”

John 7:39) 1 1 -1 9 0 0

).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.8.9|AUTODETECT|”

It is by the Spirit of God that Christ s power is thus being manifested on earth. For this title the Spirit of God see also 3:16; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.8.9|AUTODETECT|”

Rom. 8:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.8.14|AUTODETECT|”

b, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.8.14|AUTODETECT|”

14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=46.2.11|AUTODETECT|”

; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=46.2.11|AUTODETECT|”

I Cor. 2:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=47.3.3|AUTODETECT|”

b (cf. 2:12b); 2:14; 3:16; 6:11; 7:40; 12:3; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=47.3.3|AUTODETECT|”

II Cor. 3:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=60.4.14|AUTODETECT|”

; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=60.4.14|AUTODETECT|”

I Peter 4:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=62.4.2|AUTODETECT|”

; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=62.4.2|AUTODETECT|”

I John 4:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=46.12.3|AUTODETECT|”

a. The parallelism in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=46.12.3|AUTODETECT|”

I Cor. 12:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 0

proves that this Spirit of God is the third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit. So certainly also here in Matthew, as a comparison of 12:28 with 12:32 shows.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.13.16|AUTODETECT|”

That this explanation of the source of Christ s power is the only logical one is explained in verse 29. Or how can anyone enter the strong man s house and carry off his goods unless he first binds the strong man? It is only then that he will ransack his house. In ordinary life the burglar does not receive willing help from the home owner. Instead, in order to get what he wants the intruder first ties up the owner. Then he burglarizes. Jesus by word and deed is depriving Satan of those values which the evil one regards as his own and over which he has been exercising his sinister control 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.13.16|AUTODETECT|”

Luke 13:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=51.2.15|AUTODETECT|”

). The Lord is casting out Beelzebul s servants, the demons, and is restoring that which through their agency Satan has been doing to men s souls and bodies. Jesus is doing all this because by means of his incarnation, his victory over the devil in the desert of temptation, his words of authority addressed to the demons, his entire activity, he has begun to bind Beelzebul, a process of binding or curtailment of power that was going to be further strengthened by means of his victory over Satan on the cross 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=51.2.15|AUTODETECT|”

Col. 2:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=66.12.5|AUTODETECT|”

) and in the resurrection, ascension, and coronation 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=66.12.5|AUTODETECT|”

Rev. 12:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=66.12.9-66.12.12|AUTODETECT|”

, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=66.12.9-66.12.12|AUTODETECT|”

9 12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.12.31|AUTODETECT|”

). He has done, is doing, and will do this through the power not of Beelzebul himself surely but of the Holy Spirit, as he has just said (verse 28). Yes, the devil is being, and is progressively going to be, deprived of his furniture, that is, of the souls and bodies of men, and this not only through healings but also through a mighty missionary program, reaching first the Jews but later on also the nations in general 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.12.31|AUTODETECT|”

John 12:31) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.12.32|AUTODETECT|”

, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.12.32|AUTODETECT|”

32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.1.16|AUTODETECT|”

; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.1.16|AUTODETECT|”

Rom. 1:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=66.20.3|AUTODETECT|”

). Is not this the key to the understanding of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=66.20.3|AUTODETECT|”

Rev. 20:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.10.17|AUTODETECT|”

?��509�� Note how also in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.10.17|AUTODETECT|”

Luke 10:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.10.18|AUTODETECT|”

, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.10.18|AUTODETECT|”

18) 1 1 -1 9 0 0

the fall of Satan as lightning from heaven is recorded in connection with the return and report of the seventy missionaries.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.9.40|AUTODETECT|”

In this struggle between Christ and Satan neutrality is impossible 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.9.40|AUTODETECT|”

Mark 9:40) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.9.50|AUTODETECT|”

; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.9.50|AUTODETECT|”

Luke 9:50) 1 1 -1 9 0 0

), as is shown by verse 30. He who is not with me is against me. Reason: there are only two great empires: a. that of God or heaven, with Christ as Head, and b. that of Satan. A person belongs either to the one or to the other. Consequently if he is not in intimate association with Christ, he is down on,��510�� that is, against, him. To be with Jesus means to gather; to be down on him means to scatter: he who does not gather with me scatters.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=20.11.30|AUTODETECT|”

To be with Jesus means to be instrumental in gathering people to be his followers 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=20.11.30|AUTODETECT|”

Prov. 11:30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=27.12.3|AUTODETECT|”

; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=27.12.3|AUTODETECT|”

Dan. 12:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.9.37|AUTODETECT|”

; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.9.37|AUTODETECT|”

Matt. 9:37) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.9.38|AUTODETECT|”

, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.9.38|AUTODETECT|”

38) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.19.10|AUTODETECT|”

; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.19.10|AUTODETECT|”

Luke 19:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.4.35|AUTODETECT|”

; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.4.35|AUTODETECT|”

John 4:35) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.4.36|AUTODETECT|”

, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.4.36|AUTODETECT|”

36) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=46.9.22|AUTODETECT|”

; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=46.9.22|AUTODETECT|”

I Cor. 9:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.10.12|AUTODETECT|”

). To be against him means to be unwilling to follow him in his mission to gather the lost. It means to leave them in their shepherdless, scattered condition, an easy prey for Satan 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.10.12|AUTODETECT|”

John 10:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 0

).) 1 2 2 8 0 0

Fourthly, it is unpardonable.) Jesus continues: 31, 32. Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven men, but blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven. And whoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him; but whoever shall speak against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, either in the present age or in the age to come.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.3.28|AUTODETECT|”

Every sin of which men sincerely repent shall be forgiven 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.3.28|AUTODETECT|”

Mark 3:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.12.10|AUTODETECT|”

; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.12.10|AUTODETECT|”

Luke 12:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.17.3|AUTODETECT|”

). To be sure, in none of these passages is the condition of repentance mentioned. That it was, however, implied is clear from the very context (12:41), from 4:17, and perhaps even more specifically from ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.17.3|AUTODETECT|”

Luke 17:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.17.4|AUTODETECT|”

, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.17.4|AUTODETECT|”

4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.32.1|AUTODETECT|”

. See also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.32.1|AUTODETECT|”

Ps. 32:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.32.5|AUTODETECT|”

, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.32.5|AUTODETECT|”

5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=20.28.13|AUTODETECT|”

) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.28.13|AUTODETECT|” Prov. 28:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.5.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.5.16|AUTODETECT|” James 5:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.1.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.1.9|AUTODETECT|” I John 1:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.31|AUTODETECT|” . This rule holds also with respect to that very heinous sin, namely, blasphemy. In this connection we must be careful, however, to bear in mind that Scripture at times uses this word in a broader sense than we do. Among us blasphemy may be defined as defiant irreverence. In this connection we think, for example, of such crimes as cursing God or the king who reigns by the grace of God, of willful degradation of things considered holy, pulling them down to the realm of the secular, or of claiming for the secular or purely human the honor that belongs to God alone. In Greek, however, a more general sense was also ascribed to the word blasphemy, namely, the use of insolent language directed against either God or man, defamation, railing, reviling 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.31|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 4:31) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.8|AUTODETECT|” Col. 3:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.6.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.6.4|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 6:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.2.7|AUTODETECT|” ). Accordingly, when Jesus assures us that every blasphemy shall be forgiven men, he is using the term blasphemy in the most general sense. However, when he makes an exception but blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven he is referring to a sin which even in our English language would be considered blasphemy. See also on 9:3. Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.2.7|AUTODETECT|” Mark 2:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.5.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.5.21|AUTODETECT|” Luke 5:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.30|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.30|AUTODETECT|” John 10:30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.33|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.10.33|AUTODETECT|”

33. 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.13.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.13.1|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 13:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.13.5|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.13.5|AUTODETECT|”
34. 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.13.6|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.13.6|AUTODETECT|”
35. 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.16.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.16.9|AUTODETECT|” 16:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.16.11|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.16.11|AUTODETECT|”
36. 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.17.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.17.3|AUTODETECT|” 17:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.71|AUTODETECT|” Nevertheless, even for all but one kind of defiant irreverence there is forgiveness, as is clear from the fact that Jesus says, Whoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him. If this were not true how could Peter s sin have been forgiven 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.71|AUTODETECT|” Mark 14:71) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.21.15-43.21.17|AUTODETECT|” ), and how could he have been reinstated 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.21.15-43.21.17|AUTODETECT|” John 21:15 17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.1.12-54.1.17|AUTODETECT|” )? How could Saul (=Paul) of Tarsus have been pardoned 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.1.12-54.1.17|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 1:12 17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 )? On the other hand, for blasphemy against the Spirit, that is, for speaking against the Holy Spirit there is said to be no forgiveness, either now or in the age to come. ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.5.9|AUTODETECT|” In passing, it should be pointed out that these words by no stretch of the imagination imply that for certain sins there will be forgiveness in the life hereafter. They do not in any sense whatever support the doctrine of purgatory. The expression simply means that the indicated sin will never be forgiven. As to the doctrine of purgatory, supposedly the place where the souls of those who are not eternally lost pay off the remainder of their debt by suffering punishment for the sins which they committed while still on earth, it is clearly contradicted by Scripture, which teaches that Jesus paid it all 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.5.9|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 5:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.9.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.9.12|AUTODETECT|” 9:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.9.26|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.9.26|AUTODETECT|”
37. 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.14|AUTODETECT|” 10:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.1.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.1.7|AUTODETECT|” I John 1:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.1.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.1.5|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 1:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.7.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.7.14|AUTODETECT|” 7:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.12.13|AUTODETECT|” The question remains, How is it to be understood that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is unpardonable? As to other sins, no matter how grievous or gruesome, there is pardon for them. There is forgiveness for David s sin of adultery, dishonesty, and murder 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.12.13|AUTODETECT|” II Sam. 12:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.51.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.51.0|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 51) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.32.0|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.32.0|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.7.0|AUTODETECT|” ); for the many sins of the woman of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.7.0|AUTODETECT|” Luke 7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.15.13|AUTODETECT|” ; for the prodigal son s riotous living 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.15.13|AUTODETECT|” Luke 15:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.15.21-42.15.24|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.15.21-42.15.24|AUTODETECT|” 21 24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.74|AUTODETECT|” ; ); for Simon Peter s triple denial accompanied by profanity 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.74|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 26:74) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.75|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.75|AUTODETECT|”
38. 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.31|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.31|AUTODETECT|” Luke 22:31) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.32|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.32|AUTODETECT|”
39. 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.18.15-43.18.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.18.15-43.18.18|AUTODETECT|” John 18:15 18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.18.25-43.18.27|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.18.25-43.18.27|AUTODETECT|” 25 27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.21.15-43.21.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.21.15-43.21.17|AUTODETECT|” 21:15 17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.9.1|AUTODETECT|” ); and for Paul s pre-conversion merciless persecution of Christians 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.9.1|AUTODETECT|” Acts 9:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.22.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.22.4|AUTODETECT|” 22:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.26.9-44.26.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.26.9-44.26.11|AUTODETECT|” 26:9 11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.9|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 15:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.8|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 3:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.6|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 3:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). But for the man who speaks against the Holy Spirit there is no pardon.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=62.5.16|AUTODETECT|” Why not? Here, as always when the text itself is not immediately clear, the context must be our guide. From it we learn that the Pharisees are ascribing to Satan what the Holy Spirit, through Christ, is achieving. Moreover, they are doing this willfully, deliberately. In spite of all the evidences to the contrary they still affirm that Jesus is expelling demons by the power of Beelzebul. Not only this, but they are making progress in sin, as a comparison between 9:11; 12:2; and 12:14 clearly shows.

Now, as has already been indicated, to be forgiven implies that the sinner be truly penitent. Among the Pharisees here described such genuine sorrow for sin is totally lacking. For penitence they substitute hardening, for confession plotting. Thus, by means of their own criminal and completely inexcusable callousness, they are dooming themselves. Their sin is unpardonable because they are unwilling to tread the path that leads to pardon. For a thief, an adulterer, and a murderer there is hope.

The message of the gospel may cause him to cry out, O God be merciful to me, the sinner. But when a man has become hardened, so that he has made up his mind not to pay any attention to the promptings of the Spirit, not even to listen to his pleading and warning voice, he has placed himself on the road that leads to perdition. He has sinned the sin unto death 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.5.16|AUTODETECT|” I John 5:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.6.4-58.6.8|AUTODETECT|” ; see also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.6.4-58.6.8|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 6:4 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.103.12|AUTODETECT|” For anyone who is truly penitent, no matter how shameful his transgressions may have been, there is no reason to despair 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.103.12|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 103:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.1.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.1.18|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 1:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.44.22|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.44.22|AUTODETECT|” 44:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.55.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.55.6|AUTODETECT|” 55:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.55.7|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.55.7|AUTODETECT|” 7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=33.7.18-33.7.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=33.7.18-33.7.20|AUTODETECT|” Mic. 7:18 20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.1.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.1.9|AUTODETECT|” I John 1:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.30|AUTODETECT|” ). On the other hand, there is no excuse for being indifferent, as if the subject of the unpardonable sin is of no concern to the average church member. The blasphemy against the Spirit is the result of gradual progress in sin. Grieving the Spirit 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.30|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 4:30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.51|AUTODETECT|” ), if unrepented of, leads to resisting the Spirit 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.51|AUTODETECT|” Acts 7:51) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.5.19|AUTODETECT|” ), which, if persisted in, develops into quenching the Spirit 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.5.19|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 5:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.95.7|AUTODETECT|” ). The true solution is found in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.95.7|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 95:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.95.8|AUTODETECT|” b, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.95.8|AUTODETECT|” 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.3.7|AUTODETECT|” a, Today O that you would listen to his voice. Harden not your hearts! Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.3.7|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 3:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.3.8|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.3.8|AUTODETECT|” 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 a.) 1 2 2 8 0 0 Finally, it exposes.) This charge exposes the wickedness of those who make it. It shows whose sons these blasphemers really are. Similarly, the good deeds and attitudes of God s true children prove what kind of individuals these good men are inwardly. It is evident from verse 34 that also in the present brief paragraph (verses 33 37) Jesus still has the Pharisees in mind. Nevertheless, it is also clear that from the particular he is advancing to the general, that is, from this particular group of people he is making a transition to the evil man, whether Pharisee or not, versus the good man, whoever he may be (verse 35). He concludes with an earnest word of warning addressed directly to each individual distinct from the rest; note the change from you ( I say to you, verse 36) to you ( For by your words, verse 37).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.5.18|AUTODETECT|” The paragraph begins as follows: 33. Either consider the tree to be good and its fruit good, or consider the tree to be sickly and its fruit sickly, for by the fruit the tree is known. Fruit and tree belong together. They must not be separated. Therefore to say that while the deeds of Jesus, such as demon-expulsion, healing the sick, etc., may be beneficial, yet he himself is bad, being a tool of Beelzebul, makes no sense. Who Jesus is must be determined by what he does: a tree is judged by its fruit. Literally, the original says, Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree sickly and its fruit sickly, where make means consider to be. See also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.5.18|AUTODETECT|” John 5:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.53|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.53|AUTODETECT|” 8:53) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.33|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.33|AUTODETECT|” 10:33) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . English usage is similar, for example, He is not the genius some make him, that is, & some consider him to be. For the rest see on 7:16 20.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.2.11|AUTODETECT|” Sickly fruit proves that something is wrong with the tree. The Pharisees have produced sickly fruit: blasphemous speech (see verse 24). From sickly trees, that is hearts, nothing better could be expected: 34. You offspring of vipers see on 3:7 how can you speak what is good when you your selves are evil? Since the hub from which all the spokes of their being issue, since the very mainspring of their thinking, feeling, and willing is thoroughly depraved, how would it be possible for their mouth to utter anything but evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

Literally out of the overflow, the surplus or excess. As a teeming population will overflow into adjoining territory, and a too full cistern into an overflow pipe, so also the overplus of the heart will burst out into speech, as it certainly did in the case of these wicked Pharisees. The opposite is also true: when the heart is filled with good and noble intentions the good man s speech will prove this to be a fact. The rule according to which whatever a man has set his heart on, so that the very core and center of his being is full of it, will sooner or later be disclosed in his speech, holds for good and bad alike: 35. The good man from his good inner storehouse brings out what is good, and the evil man from his evil treasure brings out what is evil. A person s heart is a reservoir, a storehouse or, as the original literally expresses it, a thesaurus.

Compare ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.2.11|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 2:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 where the word is used to indicate a chest or box from which the wise men took gold, frankincense, and myrrh.��511�� What a man brings out of this inner storehouse, whether good or bad, precious or cheap, depends on what he was carrying in it.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.81.10|AUTODETECT|” This, however, does not offer any excuse for a fatalistic view of life. It does not make it right for a man to say, I did not make myself, did I? Can I help it that I am what I am, and that I think, speak, and act the way I do? On the contrary, Jesus says, 36. But I say to you that for every careless word that men shall speak they shall render account��512�� on the day of judgment. Every man remains fully responsible for what he is, thinks, speaks, and does, for though it is true that he cannot change his own heart, it is also true that with strength given to him by God he is able to flee to him who renews hearts and lives.

The Lord is ever willing and eager to give whatever he demands of men. If men do not receive it, this is their fault, not God s 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.81.10|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 81:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.45.22|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.45.22|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 45:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.55.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.55.6|AUTODETECT|” 55:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.55.7|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.55.7|AUTODETECT|” 7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.7|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 7:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.28-40.11.30|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.28-40.11.30|AUTODETECT|” 11:28 30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.22|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.22|AUTODETECT|” Luke 22:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.7.37|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.7.37|AUTODETECT|” John 7:37) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.23|AUTODETECT|” Acts 2:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.4.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.4.2|AUTODETECT|” James 4:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.3.18|AUTODETECT|” b; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.3.18|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 3:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.22.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=66.22.17|AUTODETECT|” 22:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 b).) 1 7 2 8 0 0 Now if even for every careless word according to the original mere talk that does no (useful) work and is therefore ineffective in producing any good result men shall render an account on the day of the final judgment, shall they not be called upon to give a satisfactory reason for their false, hurtful, blasphemous words, such as those recorded in 12:24? For the comprehensive character of the final judgment see the list of passages mentioned on p. 469 in connection with the explanation of 10:26.) Emphatically addressing each individual person in the audience, as if that individual were no longer in the group but alone and face to face with the Lord, Jesus, now using the second person singular, concludes and climaxes his words by saying, 37. For by your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned. The judgment passed upon the individual in the final day (see verse 36) is going to be by, in the sense of in conformity with, in accordance with, in harmony with, his words, considered as mirrors of the heart. These words will reveal whether he was a professed believer or an unbeliever; if a professed believer, whether his faith was genuine or faked. To be sure, a man is saved by grace alone, through faith, apart from any works considered as if they have earning power.

Nevertheless, his works this includes his words supply the needed evidence showing whether or not he was and is a child of God. Moreover, if this judgment turns out favorably, the works, reflecting the man s degree of loyalty to his Maker and Redeemer, figure in the determination of his degree of glory. They figure similarly in establishing the degree of punishment for those who perish. Jesus wants each individual to meditate upon this important truth, that he may be justified (declared righteous in the sight of God) and not condemned.) ) 12:38 45 The Craving for Signs Rebuked) 38 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you. 39 Answering he said to them, An evil and adulterous generation is looking for a sign, but no sign shall be given to it except that of Jonah the prophet. 40 For as Jonah was in the belly of the sea-monster three days and three nights so also shall the Son of man be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights. 41 Men of Nineveh shall stand up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; but look, something greater than Jonah is here. 42 The queen of the south shall arise in the judgment with this generation and shall condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to the wisdom of Solomon; and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.) 43 Now when the unclean spirit goes out of a man it wanders through waterless places, seeking rest, but does not find it. 44 Then it says, I will go back to my house that I left. It goes and finds it unoccupied, swept clean, and put in order. 45 Then it goes and brings back with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they come and live there. And the final condition of that person becomes worse than the former.

So it shall also be with this wicked generation. ) ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.8.11|AUTODETECT|” For 12:38 42 cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.8.11|AUTODETECT|” Mark 8:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.8.12|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.8.12|AUTODETECT|” 12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.11.29-42.11.32|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.11.29-42.11.32|AUTODETECT|” Luke 11:29 32) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.11.24-42.11.26|AUTODETECT|” For 12:43 45 cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.11.24-42.11.26|AUTODETECT|” Luke 11:24 26) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.6|AUTODETECT|” 38. Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you. The Pharisees must have resented their total defeat. Jesus had shown that the report which they were spreading about him (see 12:24) was both wicked and absurd. Also, he had called them offspring of vipers. So now the Pharisees, who somewhat earlier had allied themselves with the Herodians 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.6|AUTODETECT|” Mark 3:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), seek the help of those whom they so highly admire (at least pretended to admire), namely, the scribes, the acknowledged expounders and teachers of the Old Testament and of the traditions that had become linked with it. For more about the sect of the Pharisees and the profession of the scribes see on 3:7; 5:20; and 7:29.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.22|AUTODETECT|” Together these Pharisees and scribes walk up to Jesus and tell him that they wish to see a sign from him. How utterly Judaistic 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.22|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 1:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.16|AUTODETECT|” )! In presenting their request they observe the outward forms of politeness and respect.��513�� Yet this politeness was veneer. These men hated Jesus 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.16|AUTODETECT|” Luke 1:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). What they were actually saying was that none of the marvelous works of healing which Jesus had so far performed, including the one described in verse 22, was sufficient to show that it was by the power of the Spirit that he had done them. They had a different explanation (12:24). At bottom, therefore, their request was insulting and impudent. All the requisite proofs of Christ s claims had already been provided. They had been furnished by means of miracles in connection with which efficacy and sympathy had embraced each other.

Yes, also sympathy, love, grace for poor, lost sinners. But the enemies were interested not in sympathy but in prodigy, not in healing but in that which was appealing, that is, to the senses. The sign must differ from anything done previously. It has to be thrilling, exciting, sensational. Well, what did they want? Did they want Jesus to cause the heavenly constellations to change places in the zodiac?

Did they want him to make the Bull (Taurus) catch up with the Giant Hunter (Orion)? Must he perhaps blaze his name across the sky in enormous letters of gold? Is he expected to produce in the sky above them a vision of Michael suddenly leaving his celestial abode and coming forth to deliver the Jews from the galling yoke of the Romans? Their demand was wicked, for in addition to being insulting and impudent it was also hypocritical, for they felt sure that what they so politely asked Jesus to do he could not do anyway.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 Continued: 39, 40. Answering he said to them, An evil and adulterous generation is looking for a sign, but no sign shall be given to it except that of Jonah the prophet. For as Jonah was in the belly of the sea-monster three days and three nights so also shall the Son of man be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights. Jesus, far from being deceived by the outward courtesy shown him by these adversaries, discerns their true motive, namely, to curb his influence among the people, and, having exposed what by them would be regarded as failure and inability, to destroy him as a false claimant to Messianic rights and prerogatives (12:14).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.50.1|AUTODETECT|” It is clear from the words an evil and adulterous generation that the Lord is addressing not only the Pharisees and scribes but also their followers. He calls these contemporaries evil, that is, morally corrupt; also adulterous, unfaithful to their rightful Husband, Jehovah 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.50.1|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 50:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.3.8|AUTODETECT|” ff; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.3.8|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 3:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.13.27|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.13.27|AUTODETECT|” 13:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.31.32|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.31.32|AUTODETECT|” 31:32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.16.32|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.16.32|AUTODETECT|” Ezek. 16:32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.16.35|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.16.35|AUTODETECT|” 35) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.2.1|AUTODETECT|” ff., ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.2.1|AUTODETECT|” Hos. 2:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.9.15|AUTODETECT|” ff.). See also on ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.9.15|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 9:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . It was exactly to such an adulterous generation that the Messiah, according to a rather general Jewish opinion, would make his appearance.��514��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=32.1.17-32.2.1|AUTODETECT|” It is not surprising therefore that Jesus refuses to give these enemies, the Pharisees and scribes and their adherants, the sign for which they were asking. He, and the Father in connection with him, will give them his own sign, a sign in which he will triumph completely over them, to their everlasting dismay, namely, the sign of Jonah the prophet, the latter s recovery from the three days and three nights in the belly of the sea-monster. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=32.1.17-32.2.1|AUTODETECT|” Jonah 1:17 2:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 in the original Hebrew ; 2:10). It is clear that Jesus accepts this Old Testament account as the record of a historical fact. Now the Lord says that similarly the Son of man for the title see on 8:20 shall be in the heart of the earth, the grave, three days and three nights. The point is that as Jonah was swallowed up by the sea-monster, so he, Jesus, will be swallowed up by the earth; and as Jonah was delivered from his imprisonment, so also Jonah s great Antitype would arise from the grave.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=17.4.16|AUTODETECT|” Exactly how, in the case of Jonah, these three days and three nights were computed Scripture nowhere reveals. Were they three entire days and nights, seventy-two hours in all, or was the period of his stay in the belly of the fish one entire day plus parts of two other days? We do not know. We do know that in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=17.4.16|AUTODETECT|” Esther 4:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.40|AUTODETECT|” the third day cannot have been an entire day . See also the apocryphal book Tobit 3:12, 13. To say, therefore, that in order to do justice to ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.40|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 12:40) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 Jesus must have been in the grave three entire days plus three entire nights is unreasonable. It is contrary to Jewish usage of such terms.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.40|AUTODETECT|” Nevertheless, again and again sometimes in small pamphlets the opinion will be advocated that according to ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.40|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 12:40) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.15.42|AUTODETECT|” Jesus must have died and been buried on Thursday. This, however, is definitely wrong, for the inspired records tell us that these events took place on Friday, that is, on Paraskeu, this very word being used even in modern Greek to indicate Friday 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.15.42|AUTODETECT|” Mark 15:42) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.15.43|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.15.43|AUTODETECT|” 43) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.23.46|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.23.46|AUTODETECT|” Luke 23:46) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.23.54|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.23.54|AUTODETECT|” 54) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.14|AUTODETECT|” John 19:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.30|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.30|AUTODETECT|” 30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.42|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.42|AUTODETECT|” 42) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Also, if the proponents of this Jesus was buried on Thursday afternoon theory demand that three days means three entire days, their theory will still fall short; and, on the other hand, if, as they see it, a part of a day must be figured as a day, the result is: too many days!) 1 2 2 8 0 0 Neither is it entirely satisfactory to say that, while Jesus died indeed on Friday and rose again on Sunday morning, the solution is to be found in the fact that, as already proved, the Jews counted a part of the day as equal to a day, and a part of the night as amounting to a night. As far as the days are concerned, this would be a satisfactory explanation, but it would still leave us with only two nights, not three.) What then? Some, despairing of a solution, declare that the saying, though having been a part of the Gospel from the beginning, is spurious, never having been uttered by Jesus himself. There is, however, no good reason thus to cut the Gordian knot. The true solution probably lies in a different direction. When we say the universe, the ancients would say heaven and earth.

So also, should not their expression one day and one night be taken to mean one time unit, one diurnal period,��515�� a part of one such period being taken as a whole? He was indeed in the heart of the earth three days-and-three-nights, that is during three of these time units.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.9.31|AUTODETECT|” In the present passage Christ s prediction with reference to his coming resurrection was still rather veiled. Subsequently the prophecy would be expressed with increasing clarity 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.9.31|AUTODETECT|” Mark 9:31) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.9.22|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.9.22|AUTODETECT|” Luke 9:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.31-42.18.33|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.31-42.18.33|AUTODETECT|” 18:31 33) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 3 2 8 0 0 The mighty event of Christ s glorious resurrection should cause all men to repent. Will they do so? With respect to many of them, those who have been completely hardened (12:24, 31, 32), Jesus does not expect this at all, for these people are far more wicked than those of Nineveh who were called to repentance by Jonah: 41. Men of Nineveh shall stand up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah. If even Ninevites��516�� repented, should not Jews have done so?) Comparison between Those Whom Jesus Addresses, and Ninevites) As to the scribes and Pharisees and their followers: As to Ninevites: ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.4.17|AUTODETECT|” a. It is the Son of God himself who addresses them again and again, and bids them to repent 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.4.17|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 4:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.28-40.11.30|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.28-40.11.30|AUTODETECT|” 11:28 30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.37|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.37|AUTODETECT|” 23:37) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). a. It was a minor prophet who preached to them. ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.46|AUTODETECT|” b. This Christ is completely sinless 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.46|AUTODETECT|” John 8:46) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.27-40.11.30|AUTODETECT|” ), filled with wisdom and compassion 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.27-40.11.30|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 11:27 30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.15.32|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.15.32|AUTODETECT|” 15:32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.24|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 1:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=32.1.3|AUTODETECT|” ). b. This prophet was a sinful, foolish, and rebellious person 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=32.1.3|AUTODETECT|” Jonah 1:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=32.4.1-32.4.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=32.4.1-32.4.3|AUTODETECT|” 4:1 3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=32.4.9|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=32.4.9|AUTODETECT|” 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 b). ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.9.2|AUTODETECT|” c. He presents the message of grace and pardon, of salvation full and free 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.9.2|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 9:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.28-40.11.30|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.28-40.11.30|AUTODETECT|” 11:28 30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.10|AUTODETECT|” Luke 19:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.7.37|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.7.37|AUTODETECT|” John 7:37) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=32.3.4|AUTODETECT|” ). c. His message was one of doom. Though a call to repentance was certainly implied, the emphasis was on Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=32.3.4|AUTODETECT|” Jonah 3:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.5|AUTODETECT|” d. This message is being fortified by miracles in which prophecy is being fulfilled 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.5|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 11:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.4.16-42.4.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.4.16-42.4.21|AUTODETECT|” Luke 4:16 21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.35.5|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.35.5|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 35:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.35.6|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.35.6|AUTODETECT|” 6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.61.1-23.61.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.61.1-23.61.3|AUTODETECT|” 61:1 3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.37|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.37|AUTODETECT|” John 13:37) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). d. There were no miracles or other authenticating signs to confirm Jonah s message. ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.4.7|AUTODETECT|” e. It is being brought to a people who have enjoyed ever so many spiritual advantages 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.4.7|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 4, 7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.4.8|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.4.8|AUTODETECT|” 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.19.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.19.4|AUTODETECT|” 19:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.147.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.147.19|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 147:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.147.20|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.147.20|AUTODETECT|” 20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.5.1-23.5.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.5.1-23.5.4|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 5:1 4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=30.3.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=30.3.2|AUTODETECT|” Amos 3:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.1|AUTODETECT|” a; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.1|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 3:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.2|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.2|AUTODETECT|” 2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.4|AUTODETECT|” 9:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.5|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.5|AUTODETECT|” 5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). e. Jonah s message was addressed to a people with none of the advantages that scribes, Pharisees, and their followers had enjoyed. ) 1 2 2 8 0 0 ) ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.11|AUTODETECT|” Yet Ninevites repented; most of the Israelites do not 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.11|AUTODETECT|” John 1:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.37|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.37|AUTODETECT|” 12:37) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Less enlightened people obeyed less enlightened preaching, but more enlightened people refuse to obey the Light of the world. The question is asked, But was this repentance of Ninevites genuine, that is, unto salvation? The answer, often given, is that it was not, otherwise Nineveh would not have been destroyed. Objection: the destruction of this great city occurred about the year 612 b.c., that is, about a century and a half after Jonah s preaching. It is therefore unjust to charge the Ninevites of Jonah s day with the sins of a much later generation.��517��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.41|AUTODETECT|” Scripture nowhere claims that the repentance of all the Ninevites was genuine, but neither does it leave the impression that none of them were saved; rather the opposite. That there were indeed genuine conversions in Nineveh, perhaps many of them, seems to be implied both in the prophetic book and here in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.41|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 12:41) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.4.17|AUTODETECT|” . The idea that the repentance of Ninevites was not genuine, that it was merely from vice to virtue, is open to three other objections: a. if in speaking about the need of repentance in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.4.17|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 4:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.13-42.10.15|AUTODETECT|” Jesus had in mind genuine sorrow for sin, why not here in 12:41?; b. in 11:20 24 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.13-42.10.15|AUTODETECT|” Luke 10:13 15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.11.30|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.11.30|AUTODETECT|” 11:30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.41|AUTODETECT|” ) Nineveh is not included in the list of Old Testament impenitent cities; and c. if the repentance referred to in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.41|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 12:41) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.7.22|AUTODETECT|” is not genuine it is hard to explain the statement, Men of Nineveh shall stand up in the judgment with this generation and shall condemn it. It should be noted that concerning these men of Nineveh it does not say, as it does in the case of those of Sodom and Gomorrah, Tyre and Sidon, that in the judgment it will be more tolerable for them (10:15; 11:22, 24), but that, like the queen of the south (12:42), they shall stand up in the judgment and shall condemn this generation, that is, the generation of the scribes and Pharisees and their followers. Since it is the teaching of Scripture 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.7.22|AUTODETECT|” Dan. 7:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.19.28|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.19.28|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 19:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.2|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 6:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.15.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.15.3|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 15:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.15.4|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.15.4|AUTODETECT|” 4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.4|AUTODETECT|” 20:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) that God s children are going to participate in the final judgment (for example, by praising God in Christ for his judgments?), this statement of Jesus about the role of certain Ninevites in that Great Assize is understandable if their repentance was genuine.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 Again, in, words similar to those in 12:6 (see on that passage) Pharisees and scribes are reminded of the greatness of their sin in rejecting and blaspheming the Christ: but look, something greater than Jonah is here. This superior greatness was explained above; see the comparison, points a, b, c, and d, p. 535.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.10.1-11.10.13|AUTODETECT|” In line with Ninevites, as an example that should put the Pharisees to shame is the queen of the south, that is the queen of Sheba. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.10.1-11.10.13|AUTODETECT|” I Kings 10:1 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=14.9.1-14.9.9|AUTODETECT|” (=) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=14.9.1-14.9.9|AUTODETECT|” II Chron. 9:1 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.10.1|AUTODETECT|” ). 42. The queen of the south shall arise in the judgment with this generation and shall condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to the wisdom of Solomon; and behold, something greater than Solomon is here. From ancient times many interesting anecdotes have been circulated with reference to this queen. Whether or not there could be any inkling of truth in them let the investigator judge. The starting point of these stories is factual. This queen did indeed come a very great distance in order to listen to the wisdom of Solomon, to test him with riddles or difficult questions 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.10.1|AUTODETECT|” I Kings 10:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 4 2 8 0 0 According to one of the legends Solomon falls in love with the queen but she refuses his advances. She even tells the king that unless her wishes with respect to this matter are respected she will stay away from the farewell banquet that is to be given in her honor. She makes him promise with an oath. In turn, he makes her swear that she will not take away from the palace anything that has not been given to her. She agrees that if she breaks her oath the king can have his way with her. The banquet is held and the queen takes part, though, according to custom, she does not eat with the men.

Her food, however, has been given special treatment. It has been highly seasoned, in order to make her very thirsty.) She retires to her own bedroom for the night, but burning thirst awakes her. She takes a drink from a golden pitcher standing nearby. It had however not been given to her! Suddenly she hears a voice, You have broken your oath. After a little verbal skirmishing she admits that she has indeed committed a wrong.

She, accordingly, releases Solomon from his oath.& Sometime later, back in her own country, she gives birth to a son. She names him Ebna El Hakim (son of the wise man).) The question has been asked, Could this be the reason why in Ethiopia there is a tribe of ancient Jews of unknown origin? The counter-question might also be asked, Did the very presence of these Jews perhaps give rise to the legend? ��518��) Other questions have also been asked; for example, did her trip to Jerusalem have something to do with seeking protection for the exports of those goods of her country which on their way to Syria, Phoenicia, etc., must pass through the land of Israel? We are on safe ground, however, when we turn to the account found in the already indicated passages of the inspired records. The queen s curiosity had been aroused. It was a curiosity of the best kind.

She had heard about the fame of Solomon in connection with the name of the Lord. So she came to Jerusalem with an immense train of camels bearing spices, gold in great abundance, and precious stones. Solomon gave a satisfactory answer to all her questions. When she had observed his great wisdom, the house he had built, the seating of his servants, the way they were dressed, etc. there was no more spirit in her.& And she said to the king, The report was true indeed, which I heard in my own country about your actions and wisdom, but I did not believe it until I came and my own eyes saw it all. Truly, the half has not been told me. The queen showered the king with gifts of gold, precious stones, and spices.

In return, he also gave her costly presents.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.10.1|AUTODETECT|” Now one of the most remarkable sayings of this queen, a saying in harmony with the purpose for which she had made the trip 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.10.1|AUTODETECT|” I Kings 10:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), was her exclamation recorded near the close of the account, Blessed be Jehovah your God who was pleased to set you on the throne of Israel. Because Jehovah loves Israel forever he has made you king, that you may execute justice and righteousness. ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.42|AUTODETECT|” It is in line with all this that we are not surprised to read that here in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.42|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 12:42) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 Jesus declares that in the final judgment this queen, too, shall arise and condemn his wicked contemporaries. In which respect did the queen put these Jews to shame? Note the following:) 1 1 2 8 0 0 The scribes and Pharisees and their followers: The Queen of the South ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.55|AUTODETECT|” a. For them the truth is near at hand, within easy reach 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.55|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 26:55) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). a. She braved the hardships of a lengthy journey over difficult terrain. She probably came from what today is Yemen, in the southwestern part of the Arabian peninsula, on the Asian shore of the Red Sea, opposite Ethiopia (Africa). Her trip must have covered at least twelve hundred miles. ) 1 1 2 8 0 0 b. They have access to One wiser, better, and greater by far than Solomon. b. She came to listen to Solomon s wisdom, in connection with the name of the Lord, even though the truth concerning God was but very imperfectly reflected in Solomon. ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.10.10|AUTODETECT|” c. They give nothing, but are plotting to take away Christ s very life. c. She gave Solomon of her treasures, an enormous present 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.10.10|AUTODETECT|” I Kings 10:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 1 1 2 8 0 0 d. They have enjoyed many religious advantages. d. She had merely heard reports. ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.28-40.11.30|AUTODETECT|” e. They have been invited, urged even, to accept Jesus, and the truth in him 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.28-40.11.30|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 11:28 30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.1-40.22.5|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.1-40.22.5|AUTODETECT|” 22:1 5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). e. It is not reported that she had received any invitation at all. ) 1 4 2 8 0 0 ) ) Yet she came, but they refuse.) What kind of religion do these Pharisees and their followers substitute for the one they have rejected? It is too emphatically a religion of negatives; such as, Be careful not to associate with publicans and sinners, and not to break an oath sworn to the Lord. On the sabbath do not pick heads of grain; do not rub them out in your hands and eat them. On that day do not heal anyone unless there is danger that he might die before tomorrow. Do not eat an egg laid on the sabbath unless you intend to kill the hen. Etc.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.3.5|AUTODETECT|” There had been a time when the more positive note, Be converted, sounded by John the Baptist, had gained many followers 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.3.5|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 3:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.26|AUTODETECT|” ). A little later the same admonition proceeding from the lips of Jesus (4:17), together with his other very positive teaching, had been greeted with enthusiasm 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.26|AUTODETECT|” John 3:26) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.14|AUTODETECT|” ). It may have seemed for a while as if a demon had been driven out of a man, the man representing the Israel of that day. But under the influence of scribes and Pharisees, envious men, the picture was even now rapidly changing. At this very moment these wicked leaders are plotting Christ s destruction 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.14|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 12:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.6|AUTODETECT|” ). And at last the Jewish people as represented in front of the cross will cry out, Crucify, crucify. (27:20 23). They will do so prompted by their leaders 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.6|AUTODETECT|” John 19:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.15|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.15|AUTODETECT|” 15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.16|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.16|AUTODETECT|” 16) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The one demon will have been replaced by eight. Cf. 11:7 19.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 Understood in this light the illustration which Jesus now uses becomes clear: 43 45. Now when the unclean spirit goes out of a man it wanders through waterless places, seeking rest, but does not find it. Then it says, I will go back to my house that I left. It goes and finds it unoccupied, swept clean, and put in order. Then it goes and brings back with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they come and live there. And the final condition of that person becomes worse than the former. So it shall also be with this wicked generation.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.16.19-42.16.31|AUTODETECT|” Many questions immediately arise; for example, Why is this demon described as wandering through waterless or desert places? How is it that it does not find rest there? What exactly is meant by these seven other spirits worse than itself? Etc. Three facts, however, must be borne in mind: a. Scripture tells us very little about the peculiarities and customs of demons, and to speculate too presumptuously about such matters would serve no useful purpose. b.

The Lord is not giving us a discourse on demonology. He wants us to think not so much about these demons as about this wicked generation (verse 45, cf. verse 39), as symbolized by the man who was first possessed by one demon, then delivered, and finally repossessed, only this time not by one but by eight demons. c. If this illustration is in the nature of a parable, as it well may be, it would be wrong to press every detail as if it were to be interpreted separately and literally. In the case of the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.16.19-42.16.31|AUTODETECT|” Luke 16:19 31) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 a) rigid insistence on taking each item apart by itself and attaching a figurative meaning to it leads to absurdities. With these principles as a guide the lesson may be reproduced as follows:) 1 1 2 8 0 0 Satan is eager to send his demons into human hearts, for them to assume control over these hearts, always in subjection to the prince of evil. For a demon to dwell outside the earth s atmosphere, and especially outside of the human heart where he can carry out his evil designs, is painful, for he is the arch-sadist.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.13.21|AUTODETECT|” As to the waterless places or deserts 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.13.21|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 13:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.34.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.34.14|AUTODETECT|” 34:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.4.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.4.1|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 4:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.18.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.18.2|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 18:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), only this: if we are accustomed to associate the good angels with places in which order, beauty, and fulness of life prevail, does it not seem natural to link evil angels with regions where disorder, desolation, and death dominate?) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.19|AUTODETECT|” To be delivered from a demon is a blessing. That type of condition, as has been indicated, might well describe Israel during the days of the Baptist s active ministry and shortly thereafter. But in and by itself this does not suffice. To become scared of going to hell, scared, perhaps, even to the point of confessing one s sins and accepting baptism, is not enough. It would only leave the soul empty: unoccupied, swept clean, put in order. Such a condition cannot meet the deepest needs of the human heart.

Harmlessness is not the same as holiness. Desisting from wrong differs by a whole heaven from being a blessing. What Jesus demands is the entire devotion of the heart, so that it will render spontaneous thanksgiving to God and for his sake will be a blessing to the neighbor. Nothing less than that is required. A fig tree that produces nothing but leaves is cursed even though it yields no rotten fruit 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.19|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 21:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.4.16|AUTODETECT|” ). The man who buries his talent is rejected (25:18, 26 28). Those who during the present life have done nothing for the hungry, thirsty, etc. never enter the halls of glory (25:41 46). Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=59.4.16|AUTODETECT|” James 4:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . What Jesus wants is a full life of being a positive blessing out of gratitude for salvation by grace alone. He wants nothing less than this.) 1 4 2 8 0 0 It is for this very reason that there was bound to be a collision between Jesus and the Pharisees. It was not the positive but the negative aspect of the law that was stressed by most Pharisees in obedience to the rules laid down by the scribes. Jesus was entirely different. So, kindness began to clash with coldness, broadmindedness with clannishness, outgoingness (love) with selfishness, emphasis on the deeper meaning of the law with insistence on the letter. These two Christ and the bigot cannot dwell together in unity. Moreover the Pharisees have their many followers among the people in general.

But does not Jesus also have his following? Yes, indeed! And, in the eyes of the envious Pharisees, that makes matters even worse. The end is as has already been noted.) The reference to this wicked generation in verse 45, a reflection on a similar description of Christ s hostile contemporaries in verse 39, shows that the entire section (verses 38 45; in a sense even verses 22 45; see verse 24) is a unit, belongs together. Have the Pharisees charged Jesus with being linked with Satan (verse 24)? Jesus answers that they and their followers resemble a man who is repossessed by no less than eight demons!

Yet throughout it all we cannot fail to detect a summons to conversion (see especially verses 28, 35a, 41, 42).) ) 12:46 50 The Mother and the Brothers of Jesus) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.31-41.3.35|AUTODETECT|” Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.31-41.3.35|AUTODETECT|” Mark 3:31 35) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.8.19-42.8.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.8.19-42.8.21|AUTODETECT|” Luke 8:19 21) 1 2 2 8 0 0 46 While he was still speaking to the crowds, lo and behold, his mother and his brothers were standing outside, seeking to speak to him. 47 And someone said to him, Look, your mother and your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak to you. 48 But he answered the one who was telling him (this) and said, Who is my mother and who are my brothers? 49 And stretching out his hand over his disciples he said, Look, my mother and my brothers! 50 For whoever shall do the will of my Father in heaven, he is my brother and sister and mother. ) ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.21|AUTODETECT|” 46. While he was still speaking to the crowds, lo and behold, his mother and his brothers were standing outside, seeking to speak to him. Just why the mother and the brothers of Jesus had arrived at the scene and were trying to contact him has not been revealed. It is possible that ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.21|AUTODETECT|” Mark 3:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.22|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.22|AUTODETECT|” 22) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 sheds some light on this. If so, it is also possible that disturbing remarks about Jesus for example, that his opponents regarded him as being demon-possessed and that even his friends thought that he was out of his mind induced them, out of natural affection to try to remove him from the public eye and to provide for him a haven of rest and refreshment. Even if this guess as to their motive should be correct, it does not warrant anyone to say, as some commentators do, that Mary and her other children shared the view of the friends, and were actually of the opinion that the one dear to them was becoming mentally unbalanced.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.3|AUTODETECT|” As to the identity of these brothers of Jesus, this matter has been discussed in connection with 1:25. The names of the brothers are given in 13:55; cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.3|AUTODETECT|” Mark 6:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.19|AUTODETECT|” The fact that Mary and the brothers of Jesus were standing outside would seem to indicate that the one whom they were seeking to contact was inside a house, at least during the events recorded in the latter part of chapter 12 (from verse 38 on?), if not even before that. Cf. also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.19|AUTODETECT|” Mark 3:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.13.1|AUTODETECT|” b. This would also seem to be supported by ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.13.1|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 13:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , which describes Jesus as going out of the house. ��519��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.8.19|AUTODETECT|” This explains the situation described in verse 47. And someone said to him, Look, your mother and your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak to you.��520�� Since because of the crowd 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.8.19|AUTODETECT|” Luke 8:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) it was impossible for the new arrivals to get through to Jesus the house was that full someone standing near the door conveys the news to Jesus.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.2.49|AUTODETECT|” Here, then, was one of those interruptions on which comment was made previously. See on 9:20. Here too, as always, far from embarrassing Jesus in any way, it is seized by him as an opportunity to be turned to better spiritual account: 48. But he answered the one who was telling him (this) and said, Who is my mother and who are my brothers? He wishes to indicate that neither Mary nor these brothers must be permitted to divert him from his appointed task. Cf. 10:37; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.2.49|AUTODETECT|” Luke 2:49) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.2.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.2.4|AUTODETECT|” John 2:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.7.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.7.6|AUTODETECT|” 7:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.13|AUTODETECT|” Jesus asks a question. As verses 49 and 50 indicate, what he meant was Who are those that belong to my spiritual family, to the household of God or of the faith? He is indicating that spiritual ties are more important than ties of blood. For other references to this spiritual family see ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.13|AUTODETECT|” John 1:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.10|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 6:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.19|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 2:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.15|AUTODETECT|” ; and N.T.C. on ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.15|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 3:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.35|AUTODETECT|” Jesus answers his own question. Brief and beautiful, above all very comforting, is that answer: 49. And stretching out his hand over his disciples he said, Look, my mother and my brothers! It was toward and over his disciples, the inner circle, that he lovingly stretched out his hand. It was to them that he gave this title of honor, my mother and my brothers ; yes, and my sisters too 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.35|AUTODETECT|” Mark 3:35) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.2.11|AUTODETECT|” ), for in the all-important spiritual family sex makes no difference. Not only does this answer, accompanied by this meaningful gesture, prove what relationship mattered most to Jesus, the physical or the spiritual, it also proved the self-forgetful, marvelous character of his love, for even granting that the designation could have meaning only for those who were his true disciples, that is, for those who were doing the will of the Father in heaven (verse 50) hence, could not have applied to Judas Iscariot! who were these men? To be sure, they had left all and followed him! Yet, they were men of little faith, weaklings in many respects, as has been shown in connection with 10:2 4. Yet he was not ashamed to call them brothers 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.2.11|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 2:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.17|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.17|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.29|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.29|AUTODETECT|” 29) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.13.4-46.13.8|AUTODETECT|” ). What a commentary Jesus furnishes for a section of Holy Writ that was going to be written by one of his future ambassadors, the apostle Paul 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.13.4-46.13.8|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 13:4 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 a)! Concluded: 50. For whoever shall do the will of my Father in heaven, he is my brother and sister and mother. The word for indicates a connection with the preceding somewhat as follows: These disciples belong to my family because they are members of that larger group that consists of all those who do the will of my Father in heaven. For the latter phrase see on 7:21 23.) 1 3 2 8 0 0 Note the inclusiveness of this whoever. It means black and white, male and female, young and old, rich and poor, bond and free, educated and unlettered, drawn from the world of the Jews or from that of the Gentiles. Yet, note also the exclusiveness: those, and those alone, who do the Father s will!) It is very natural for Jesus to say of my Father, for he stands in a very peculiar relationship to his Father, being the Father s Son by nature, and thus the Mediator between God and man.) The Father s will to which reference is made here is, of course, his revealed will, the will that can be done by man, through God s enabling grace. Briefly, that will may be summarized as follows: a. that man repents from his sin; b. accepts Jesus as his Savior and Lord; and c. in the Spirit and out of gratitude lives to the glory of God.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.3.2|AUTODETECT|” A few of the many passages in which this will of the Father is more fully described are: ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.3.2|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 3:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.4.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.4.17|AUTODETECT|” 4:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.38|AUTODETECT|” ; chaps. 5 7; 10:7, 32; 11:28 30; chap 13; chap. 18; 19:4, 5, 9, 14; 22:37 40; 24:42 44; 25:13; parallels in the other Synoptics; John 3:16; 6:29, 40, 47, 48; 13:12 20, 34; 14:1 ff.; 15:4, 12, 16, 17, 27; 16:1 ff. To these may be added such passages in the other New Testament books, as ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.38|AUTODETECT|” Acts 2:38) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.39|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.39|AUTODETECT|” 39) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.12|AUTODETECT|” 4:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.16.31|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.16.31|AUTODETECT|” 16:31) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.13.0|AUTODETECT|” ; Rom. 12 15; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.13.0|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.6.14-47.6.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.6.14-47.6.18|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 6:14 18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.8.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.8.7|AUTODETECT|” 8:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.8.8|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.8.8|AUTODETECT|” 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.0|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.12-50.2.18|AUTODETECT|” ; Eph. 4 6; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.12-50.2.18|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 2:12 18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.0|AUTODETECT|” Col. 3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.2.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.2.4|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 2:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.4.14-58.4.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.4.14-58.4.16|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 4:14 16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.9|AUTODETECT|” ; every chapter in James; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.9|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 2:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.21-60.2.25|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.21-60.2.25|AUTODETECT|” 21 25) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.3.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.3.9|AUTODETECT|” II Peter 3:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 3 2 8 0 0 Though it must be admitted, of course, that chapter-divisions are by no means infallibly inspired, is it not striking how often the chapters in this Gospel end in a touching climax? See chapters 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 22, 25, 26, 27, and 28.) Summary of Chapter 12) To all who would come to him, that is, to all who would accept him by faith, Jesus (11:28 30) had promised rest, including deliverance from the burden of superimposed legalism. So, in the first section of the present chapter (12:1 14) he shows how acceptance of him and of his doctrine will deliver people from the yoke of man-made sabbath regulations. When, on a certain sabbath his hungry disciples, walking through fields of grain, picked a few heads and ate them after rubbing out the kernels with their hands, the Pharisees blamed him for his disciples violation of sabbath rules. But he, by means of a five-point refutation see pp. 512 515 demolishes their criticism, and declares himself to be Lord of the sabbath. On the sabbath he even heals a man with a shriveled hand.

This act of restoration takes place in the synagogue, and in spite of the fact that no danger of loss of life was involved. It is right to do good on the sabbath is Christ s rule. If it was proper to rescue a sheep that on the sabbath had fallen into a pit, how much more should not kindness be shown to a man in need of help. Reaction on the part of the Pharisees: they took counsel against him, how they might destroy him.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.42.1-23.42.4|AUTODETECT|” Even though Jesus had performed a great miracle, and upon departing, many other miracles besides, it was not his desire to become known chiefly as a miracle worker. Acquiring earthly fame was not his goal. Rather, as the next section (verses 15 21) shows, he was the Chosen Servant of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.42.1-23.42.4|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 42:1 4) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , unassuming, gentle, and retiring in nature.) 1 8 2 8 0 0 In the next section (verses 22 37) another person in dire need is brought to Jesus. This sorely afflicted one was demon-possessed and could neither see nor speak. On him an astounding triple miracle was performed, so that the people wondered whether Jesus was the Son of David, the Messiah. This angered the Pharisees, who then said that he was casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul (Satan) the prince of the demons. Jesus shows that this charge is absurd and inconsistent, that it obscures the truth, if persisted in is unpardonable, and exposes the wickedness of those who make it. The slanderers are offspring of vipers, and in the final day will have to answer for their wickedness.) As the next section (verses 38 45) shows, the Pharisees resented this scathing denunciation.

In alliance with the scribes, they asked Jesus to show them a sign, as if the miracles which he had already performed did not really amount to much. The Lord tells them that the only sign they can expect is that of Jonah the prophet, namely, his [Christ s] resurrection from the dead on the third day, a sign by means of which he will completely triumph over them. He predicts that in the final judgment men of Nineveh shall condemn them, for these Ninevites repented at the less enlightened preaching of Jonah, whereas they, these scribes and Pharisees, are rejecting the Light of the world. For a somewhat similar reason the queen of the south shall then also condemn this generation.) Under the leadership of the scribes and Pharisees the Jews are going from bad to worse, like a man who, possessed by an evil spirit, is first delivered from this demon but later repossessed by it and by seven other spirits even more wicked than itself.) As the final paragraph (verses 46 50) shows, at this point there is interference by the mother and brothers of Jesus. Their intention seems to have been to remove him for a while from the public. When Jesus, in a house at the time, is informed that his mother and brothers are standing outside wishing to see him, he stretches out his hands over his disciples and says, Look, my mother and my brothers.

He is emphasizing the fact that spiritual ties are more important than physical.) ) ) ) ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.5.0|AUTODETECT|” 494 This would still be true even though what is recorded in 12:1 21 should have taken place shortly before the preaching of the Sermon on the Mount. For example, if the sabbath controversies recorded in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.5.0|AUTODETECT|” John 5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.1-40.12.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.1-40.12.14|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 12:1 14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.5.1|AUTODETECT|” followed each other in rather close succession and took place in April and early May, and if the preaching of the sermon and the events recorded in chapter 11 occurred sometime during late May July, Matthew would still be fully justified in describing all such events as having happened at that season. This may well have been the season spring to mid-summer of the year a.d. 28. See also A. T. Robertson, Harmony of the Gospels, pp. 42 55. And see N.T.C. on the Gospel according to John, Vol. I, p. 188, 189. With reference to this chronology very little can be established with certainty. In its favor are these facts: a. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.5.1|AUTODETECT|” John 5:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.5.16|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.5.16|AUTODETECT|” 16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.2.23|AUTODETECT|” suggests that the first of the three sabbath controversies took place after a feast (probably a Passover, and if so, not the first Passover of Christ s ministry for which see ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.2.23|AUTODETECT|” John 2:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.11|AUTODETECT|” ); b. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.11|AUTODETECT|” Luke 6:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.12|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.12|AUTODETECT|” 12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.1|AUTODETECT|” suggests that the last of the three controversies was followed by the preaching of the Sermon on the Mount; and c. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.1|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 12:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 shows that the second sabbath controversy took place during the season of ripening grain.) 1 5 2 8 0 0 495 Harmony of the Gospels, p. 44.) 496 Thus A. T. Robertson, Word Pictures, Vol. I, p. 93; cf. same author, A Translation of Luke s Gospel, New York, 1923, p. 40. Williams, in his translation of the New Testament, has heads of wheat, thus rendered also by L.N.T. (A. and G.), p. 773.) 497 According to the Mishna that man is guilty of sabbath desecration who on that day takes ears of grain equal to a lamb s mouthful (Shabbath 7:4; cf. 7:2). See also S.BK., Vol.

I, pp. 615 618; and A. T. Robertson, The Pharisees and Jesus, New York, 1920, pp. 87, 88.) 498 See S.BK., Vol. I, pp. 622 629.) 499 This may well be an instance of �7� (here naturally �) having the force of an indefinite article. The meaning need not be, only one, or one in distinction from more than one, or one lone sheep (Lenski, op. cit., p. 455), but simply a. See Gram.N.T., pp. 674, 675.

However, the rendering one sheep may be right!) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.5|AUTODETECT|” 500 ����������� third per. sing. aor. indic. pass. of �����������. The verb refers to the action whereby something is set (5�����) down (����) or established by being delivered from (��) its disturbed condition. In the present context 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.5|AUTODETECT|” Mark 3:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.10|AUTODETECT|” Luke 6:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.13.19|AUTODETECT|” ) ����������� means was restored, was cured, or was made well. In a somewhat different sense restored is also the meaning in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.13.19|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 13:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.17.11|AUTODETECT|” . See also on ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.17.11|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 17:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.9.12|AUTODETECT|” 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.9.12|AUTODETECT|” Mark 9:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 0 501) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.42.1-23.42.4|AUTODETECT|” Translated rather literally from the Hebrew original, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.42.1-23.42.4|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 42:1 4) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 reads as follows:) 1 13 2 8 0 0 42:1 Behold, my servant, whom I uphold,) My chosen, in whom my soul delights,) I have put my Spirit upon him,) He shall bring forth justice to the nations.) 2 He shall not cry nor lift up his voice,) Nor cause it to be heard in the street,) 3 A bruised reed he shall not break,) And a languishing wick he shall not quench;) In truth he shall bring forth justice.) 4 He shall not languish and not become bruised,) Until he has established justice on earth.) And the coastlands shall wait for his law. ) Note the following:) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.42.1|AUTODETECT|” a. In ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.42.1|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 42:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.18|AUTODETECT|” a, cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.18|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 12:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 a, although my servant whom I uphold was not literally reproduced by Matthew, Isaiah s full expression my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights gives Matthew every right to say, my bloved, with whom my soul is well pleased .) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.42.2|AUTODETECT|” b. As to ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.42.2|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 42:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.19|AUTODETECT|” b, cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.19|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 12:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 b, there surely is no essential difference between Isaiah s Nor cause it to be heard in the street and Matthew s Nor shall anyone hear his voice in the streets. ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.42.3|AUTODETECT|” c. A moment s reflection proves that ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.42.3|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 42:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.42.4|AUTODETECT|” b, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.42.4|AUTODETECT|” 4) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 a enables Matthew to say (12:20b) until he leads justice on to victory. ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.42.4|AUTODETECT|” d. The coastlands of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.42.4|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 42:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.21|AUTODETECT|” b represent the farthest regions, that is, the nations outside of Israel; hence, correctly rendered by Matthew (12:21) the Gentiles. And the waiting of the Hebrew text is a waiting with confident anticipation, a hoping 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.21|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 12:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.8.6|AUTODETECT|” Matthew follows the LXX translation when in verse 18 he uses the word ���� instead of ������. This, however, makes no essential difference, since ���� frequently means servant. See on ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.8.6|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 8:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.42.1-23.42.4|AUTODETECT|” . It is to be noted, however, that Matthew avoids Jacob my servant & Israel my elect (LXX), and correctly applies ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.42.1-23.42.4|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 42:1 4) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 directly to Christ.) 1 5 2 8 0 0 N.T.C. W. Hendriksen, New Testament Commentary) 502 See P. Van Dyk, Het gekrookte riet en de rookende vlaswiek, GTT, 23 (1923), pp. 155,172.) 503 Greek �������������� acc. sing. masc. perf. pass. participle of ��������: break, bruise.) 504 Greek ������� (acc. -��), cf. Latin calamus.) 505 Greek ���������, pres. pass. participle from ����: give off smoke, smolder.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.15.6|AUTODETECT|” 506 Greek �����: flax, linen; also anything made of such materials 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.15.6|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 15:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), in the present instance a lamp-wick.) 1 4 2 8 0 0 507 Cf. G. W. Barker, W. L. Lane, and J. R. Michaels, The New Testament Speaks, New York, 1969, p. 269.) 508 See the author s book, The Bible on the Life Hereafter, pp. 75 78.) 509 See my More Than Conquerrors, An Interpretation of the book of Revelation, pp. 223 229.) 510 In Greek the two prepositions are ���� versus ����.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.19-40.6.21|AUTODETECT|” 511 The same word may also refer to the treasure itself 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.19-40.6.21|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 6:19 21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.13.44|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.13.44|AUTODETECT|” 13:44) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.26|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.26|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 11:26) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.3|AUTODETECT|” Col. 2:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 4 2 8 0 0 512 Literally, & every careless word that men shall speak they shall render an account of it, etc. Such an anacoluthon, if one wishes to call it that, is readily understood. See Gram.N.T., p. 718. It occurs in Greek and is frequent in Hebrew.) 513 It may well be doubted whether the theory is correct according to which the use of the indicative ������� indicates abruptness we want from thee (Lenski), we want to see (N.A.S.) , so that the request would amount to a demand. In keeping with the fact that these men respectfully address Jesus as Teacher it would seem to be more probable that as to form the request was courteous: we would see (A.V. and A.S.V.), we wish to see (R.S.V.), we would like to see (Williams), renderings that are certainly not out of line with the use of the indicative of the verb ����. See L.N.T. (A. and G.), p. 355.) 514 S.BK.

Vol. I, p. 641.) 515 Cf. the Dutch term etmaal. ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.11.32|AUTODETECT|” 516 Not the men of Nineveh, as if all of them had repented, but men of Nineveh. So also in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.11.32|AUTODETECT|” Luke 11:32) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . It is probable that the very omission of the article emphasizes the nature or character of these people as compared with Jews as if to say: Think of it, mere Ninevites repented, then should not you have done so? ) 1 4 2 8 0 0 517 I agree fully, therefore, with the judgment of F. E. Gaebelein on this subject. See his book, Four Minor Prophets, Chicago, 1970, p. 109. For the opposite view see Lenski, op. cit., pp. 433, 481.) 518 For this and other legends for example, with respect to Solomon as the inventor of the airplane, and to Ebna El $akim proving his remarkable sharpness by recognizing his father upon seeing him for the first time, even though Solomon, to test him, had assumed the garments of a beggar see S. Bergsma, Rainbow Empire, Grand Rapids, 1932, pp. 194 198, 200, 244.) 519 Another view is that of Lenski, who interprets the house of 13:1 to refer to the home of Christ s mother and brothers, and believes that the phrase standing outside of 12:46 means outside the packed crowd.

Though this seems to me to be the more unnatural of the two views, the difference is not very important.) 520 Is this verse authentic? The textual evidence is inconclusive. Nevertheless what is stated in verse 47 is probably what actually took place, for it furnishes a very natural explanation of the manner in which the information regarding Jesus mother and brothers was conveyed to him.)