Knowing The Word in Matthew 12:22-32

Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit

22 Then a demon-oppressed man who was blind and mute was brought to him, and he healed him, so that the man spoke and saw. [While the visible effect was physical healing, the observers understood the underlying cause was demonic.] 23 And all the people were amazed, and said, “Can this be the Son of David?” [The wording of the question in Greek leads to an anticipated answer of “no”; however, it does leave for the possibility of “yes”. Jesus is not the conquering Messiah they expected, but he does demonstrate the authority of David.] 24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul [synonym for Satan], the prince of demons, that this man casts out demons.” [They make a charge of sorcery against Jesus.] 25 Knowing their thoughts [offensive and ridiculous], he said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. 26 And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? 27 And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons [people] cast them out? Jesus assumes Jewish exorcism that is effective.] Therefore they will be your judges. [Note that Jesus understands a kingdom of Satan and a kingdom of God locked in mortal combat around himself.] 28 But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you [and you can see the victory of God over Satan]. 29 Or how can someone enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? [Jesus is going directly against Satan himself.] Then indeed he may plunder his house. 30 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. [In this conflict, neutrality is impossible. To be against Jesus, is to be on Satan’s side.] 31 Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit [against the manifest activity of God, refusing to acknowledge God’s power as the Pharisees have done] will not be forgiven. [Warning: do not take this verse out of context.] 32 And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven [because Jesus is still incognito; even Peter was forgiven], but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come. [This is a hardening against God which is deliberate and irreversible.]