Blasphemy Against the Spirit

Setting and Overview
From the poetic quotation of Isaiah 42:1-4 in the previous section, declared by Matthew to be fulfilled in Jesus, we turn to a narrative of fierce opposition in the following verses, more manifestations of the opposition that was behind the determination to assassinate Jesus. We may admit that reading of such opposition, and seeing uncompromising response to it, is not as encouraging or enjoyable as reading the previous section or 11:28-30. Of course, we are not promised that all of God’s Word will be encouraging or enjoyable. Rather, we are promised that it will painfully examine and expose us (Hebrew 4:12), which we may recognize that we need but likely won’t enjoy. He does however give us unmerited comfort even in those passages through the promise of revelation of wondrous things (Psalm 119:18.) This is a great promise for us to hold on to, and a great anchor for our reading. Do we see those wondrous things even in the more difficult passages? If not, then let us look closer.

Exposition
The sequence of events is similar to what we say previously in chapter 12. There is a confrontation, accusation, and a response, and the response is an opportunity for extended teaching. The setting for the confrontation is a demon possessed man who is also blind and mute. Matthew spends little time on the healing itself as the aftermath is his focus. The people respond in amazement, wondering if this is a sign that Jesus is the Messiah. The Pharisees respond by repeating their accusation from 10:25, attributing the miracle to Satan and not to God, an accusation that would warrant the death penalty if true. Jesus recognizes their accusation and responds in multiple ways. He points out that Satan would be defeating himself if he cast out demons, especially when it is resulting in God being glorified by the people. Furthermore, if they want to start attributing the casting out of demons to Satan then they are also accusing themselves, as their own followers also cast out demons on occasion. Instead, if Jesus does it by the Spirit of God, then it shows that the Kingdom is forcefully advancing (11:12), as evidenced by the limitation of Satan’s power, which implies then that Jesus is the Messiah.
This conflict between Jesus and Satan has further implications. If Jesus is the Messiah and is in direct conflict with Satan, then there really is no room for neutrality. Mark 9:38-41 makes a similar point about neutrality, but does so from the other perspective. The illustration here is of sheep which tend to naturally scatter. If someone is just standing by and not assisting in the gathering, then they are supporting the gathering. Jesus then declares that truth to be the basis for his warning in Matthew 12:31-32, often referred to as the unpardonable sin (see also Mark 3:28-30.) On one hand, these two verses have a remarkable picture of mercy and grace, declaring that we can be forgiven of any type of sin if we repent and come to Christ (Matthew 4:17, Acts 3:19, I John 1:8-10.) On the other hand, they also tell us that we will not be forgiven of sin against the Holy Spirit. The distinction is not a comparison between Jesus and the Holy Spirit (as Mark 3:30 makes clear,) but rather the lack of repentance in the offenders (Mark 3:4-5, Numbers 15:30-31), rejecting the work of the Holy Spirit to convict them of sin (Hebrews 6:4-6.) So the distinction is between those who would reject Christ out of ignorance but later come to repentance (such as Paul) and those who receive all of the revelation that they need to see the truth of the Gospel and yet reject it (such as the Pharisees were doing.) Jesus follows that warning with one final one. While the focus of the last five verses often gets put on verse 36 as an exhortation to watch what we say, the focus is actually at the beginning on our hearts. If our hearts are not in the right place with regard to Christ, then our words will reflect that, especially the effortless words that come out when we are not thinking or trying. Those words will reveal whether we are for Christ or against him.

Examination and Application
In describing Jesus as our compassionate high priest, Hebrews 4:14 exhorts us to hold fast to our confession, the declaration that we make from our heart. Our confession is that Jesus is Lord (Romans 10:9-10.) With that confession we face judgment as children of God (John 1:12, Matthew 10:32) and without it we face judgment as children of wrath (Ephesians 2:1-3, Matthew 10:33.) This section shows the difference between those who confess Jesus and those who deny him. Those how confess him are for him, obeying him, and gathering the sheep. Those who are against him reject his commands, resist his authority, and are scattering the sheep. What do our words and actions reveal about us?