281. "Just Sayin'" Exposition of Matthew 12:22-37

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 Transcript of Matthew Series

Matthew 12:22-37

“Just Sayin’”

 

Introduction

We continue our series on Matthew in chapter 12.

1.    Wicked Words

²² Then they brought him a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, and Jesus healed him, so that he could both talk and see. ²³ All the people were astonished and said, “Could this be the Son of David?”

²⁴ But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons.”

²⁵ Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. ²⁶ If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand? ²⁷ And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your people drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. ²⁸ But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

²⁹ “Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can plunder his house.

The people were amazed, again, but they posed a question because Jesus did many of the things that the Messiah or Son of David was supposed to do except rally an army.  He seemed to fit the picture of the Messiah they were looking for except for a few qualities. 

The Pharisees saw this positive response and felt threatened.  In order to steer people away from Jesus, they attributed his power to Satan. 

Jesus responds to the charge by using common sense.  He highlights that Satan has his own kingdom.  How can Satan’s kingdom stand if it’s disunified?  He then goes on to apply the same logic to his accusers who drove out demons, were they doing it by Satan’s power?  He then points to the fact that he is stronger than Satan and his kingdom. He then launches into an attack on the words that the Pharisees were using against him…

2.   Unforgivable Words

³⁰ “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. ³¹ And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. ³² Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.

Jesus here returns to the unforgiveable sin.  People have often wondered if they have committed a sin that can’t be forgiven.  Jesus has said in other passages, “I solemnly declare that any sin of man can be forgiven, even blasphemy against me” Mark 3:28 TLB.  The Pharisees were speaking against the good works done by the Holy Spirit.  All sin can be forgiven, but a mindset that is determined to remain opposed to God in spite of his goodness and obvious presence puts that person out of reach of God’s grace.  They are rejecting God’s offer of forgiveness and mercy.

What sins can be forgiven? 

·       Adultery

·       Murder

·       Lying

·       Cheating

What sins can’t be forgiven?

·       A person who refuses to submit themselves to Jesus.  Who sees his greatness and rejects him any way.

 

3.   Words Matter

³³ “Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. ³⁴ You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. ³⁵ A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. ³⁶ But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. ³⁷ For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

What Words Reveal

The Pharisees were saying Jesus had a demon or was demon-possessed.  They were claiming that he was a tool of Satan.  These words, so far from the truth, revealed something evil about the Pharisees.  Their words were like X-Rays revealing a massive growth of cancer in the Jews’ soul.  They focused on the outward appearance and Jesus was pointing to what their words were revealing about their heart, their minds and their character.

You will hear from time to time a phrase thrown into a conversation, “Just Sayin!”  It’s usually a negative comment that’s hidden under a funny phrase.   

“It’s used when saying something negative or something that other people might not like or might find unusual, without trying to defend or give reasons for what you say: I don't want to insult anybody, but I'm just saying ...”  "You are witless, stupid and immoral, and I wouldn't let you near my tropical fish for fear you would contaminate them with your depravity. Just sayin'!"

We say it to slip some criticism into the conversation without it being too harsh.  We also say it to avoid taking responsibility for our words.  We think we can say something terrible without being held responsible for it.  Jesus says that no matter how you package it, your words reveal something beneath the surface.

·       Swear words

·       Fearful words

·       Critical words

·       Lying words

·       Exaggerating words

·       Negative words

·       Constantly seeing the downside of every situation

2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check…⁵ Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. ⁶ The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.  James 3:2-7

How Words Are Judged

Accountable for every word?  I think whenever you interpret the Bible you need to interpret it in the context you are pulling it from.  The Pharisees were speaking “empty” words.  Some translations say, “Careless, idle, empty, useless or not important.”  Their words tore down and assassinated character.  That’s different than playful banter.  I don’t think the Bible is shutting down playful conversation.  You don’t need to be a “mister sourpuss.”

At the same time, you do need to examine the tone of your language and ask how much you talk about positive things.  Is your language coarse, dirty, sexually based?  Is it filled with inuendo and double meanings?  Or is it simple, clear and kind?  Not only that, do you speak the truth in love, taking time to help people when they need guidance or correction?

Words matter.  They reveal what’s happening inside your heart and they will be judged by Jesus.  Pay attention and be careful what you say.

 

Conclusion

How are you responding to Jesus?  Are you astonished at him, amazed at him or are you opposed to him?  Have you shut your mind and heart against him?  Be careful of the decisions you are making.  Jesus honors your decisions.  He can forgive any sin in your life, but you are the one who has to choose to follow, love and serve Jesus.  Don’t commit the unforgivable sin of looking at the son of God and rejecting him purposefully.

 

Word Check.  How’s your language?  What’s coming out of your mouth?  That’s one gauge of the condition of your heart.  Are you pouring out dirty, negative, sinful talk?  That’s like a check-engine light going on in your car.  You might keep going for a while, but you’re headed for a breakdown.

Words can bring life. 

Romans 10:9 says, “⁹ If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”  When you say the right thing and believe it, it can literally save your life.  Two people today have chosen to speak words of life.  Gus Barragan and Azavius Perry believe in Jesus and are going to declare, “Jesus is LORD” today.  They have repented of their sins and are going to get baptized for the forgiveness of their sins.  Words matter.