St. Matthew

Chapter 12:22-50

Jesus is accused of being in league with the devil, Beelzebul, which is an amazing accusation especially in light of the fact that the accusation comes directly following an exorcism of a demon. Jesus is quick to point this out. The accusation comes in contrast to the response of the crowds who were “amazed” at what Jesus did for this man. The crowds even begin to question whether this healing is a sign of the Messiah, the “Son of David.” The contrast is important in the proclamation of Matthew. Those who should have known him and recognized what was happening did not. They even thought his actions the work of the devil, while those who “were harassed and helpless” the masses did recognize him for his actions. This is all part of the fabric of the content that the little ones, the “humble in heart” who come to Jesus for rest find what they are looking for. (Mt 11:28-30) The ludicris nature of the accusation lies in the notion of Satan driving out Satan. Even the barest of intellects knows that for Stan to fight himself would mean his destruction. Note here the important revelation that Jesus delivers. If Satan cannot drive out Satan and if this man is indeed delivered of the demon then “the kingdom of God has come to you.” Jesus declares in the plain sight of those who can see that in his coming, the Messianic Age has dawned and the kingdom of God was present on the earth in his presence. The outcome of this dialogue is the line drawn in the sand, “Whoever is not with me is against me, whoever does not gather with me scatters.” (vs. 30) The question posed is this, what side are you on? The question has to be answered because the answer guides the direction in which one lean. Do we follow the master, or do we go another direction?

Sides have been drawn up, those for him and those against him. The sides are drawn along the lines of faith in Jesus. Those for him are the little ones the lost, harassed and helpless. Those against him are the temple authorities who should have known him.

The verses that follow are those troubling verses about the sin against the Holy Spirit. Jesus identifies this sin as “unforgivable.” The unforgivable nature of the sin is very troubling. What appears to be drawn in the preceding section, the accusation toward Jesus about his being in league with the devil is closely akin to the saying about the unforgivable sin.. The ultimate sin against the Holy Spirit is that sin that ultimately ejects God. One, the passage says, can be forgiven for rejection the person of Jesus (as many were forgiven for rejecting him) but the ultimate rejection of God leads only to final futility and destruction. Jesus was saying in this section that those who accused him of being in league with devil were the ones in league. Their rejection of the Spirit’s activity in the exorcism of the man was ultimately the very rejection of God present and active in the Messianic Age revealed in Jesus.

Well, how do we know those who have the problem? Look at the fruit that the tree bears. Bad trees cannot bear good fruit, nor can good trees bear bad fruit. If the fruit that is the result of the teachings and workings are good, the tree was good; if not the tree was bad. Jesus drew some lines of his own. “You brook of vipers! How can you speak good things, when you are evil?” Jesus reminds us once again about his teaching on kosher. Impurity does result from what is put in the mouth, but from what comes out of the mouth. The speech tells the story. Jesus’ warning is on the table. Everyone will be accountable in the judgment for the fruits that born by their life. Every careless word uttered will be testimony against its speaker. “By you words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (vs 37)

The Sign of Jonah

Jesus is asked for a sign to validate the claims that he is making about himself. He says no sign except the sign of Jonah will be given. What is the sign of Jonah but this, just a Jonah entered the belly of the fish, so the Son of Man (remember this is an eschatological title denoting the Messiah) will enter the belly of the earth and in three days rise. The resurrection is God’s validation of the Messiahship of Jesus. Jesus’ resurrection from the dead is the sign that God gives to validate all of the claims of Jesus about himself and the Kingdom of God. Note the equations that are drawn. Regarding the Jonah story, the people of Nineveh heard the proclamation of Jonah and repented. They were saved and yet one greater than Jonah is now speaking to them and they do not repent. Mark sites also the Queen of the South (presumably the Queen of Sheba) who marveled at Solomon’s great wisdom. The one who is speaking to them in the present age was greater than Solomon and yet they do not believe or even acknowledge his wisdom as from God.

The Parable of the Clean House

The parable talks about the fact that even when one cleans the house of all the old, unless someone new comes to occupy the place made clean the old will rush back in and the condition will be worse off than when the cleaning began. This parable is part of the polemic against the Scribes and Pharisees. Even if they were to “clean house” (a metaphor of cleaning their own hearts and minds to make ready for the Messiah) unless they actually let the Messiah come in and take up residence all that was cast out will return to leave the condition worse. This is a parable that discusses the ultimate rejection of Jesus the Messiah.

The Family of God

Verses 46 – 50 can also present a troubling section. Jesus appears to be rejecting his own family – his mother, and his brothers. Rather than rejection, however, Jesus is increasing the size of God’s family. Jesus’ family is now constituted far above blood relationships and kinship. Inclusion in the family of God is constituted now by those who do the will of God.

The Rev. Dr. Kipp W. Zimmermann

Wednesday, September 20, 2006