Matthew 12 - Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath
Christ teaches a very important message about the Sabbath in the first part of this chapter. Because of Christ's healings on the Sabbath, he uncovers the evilness among the Pharisees who try to accuse Him of breaking the law. Christ brings forward a warning message for us all, not to get caught up in traditions of men and false teachings. He also makes it clear that whoever does the will of the "Heavenly Father" will be part of the family of God. (Not those who just play church).
1At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn and to eat. They were travelers that were hungry and wanted a bite to eat. ("Rest" for the Pharisee was something you did on the Sabbath day, and you would never lift a hand in labor). To them, grabbing an ear of corn for some food was considered working on the Sabbath. However, in (Deuteronomy 23:24-25), "laws of human relations," it was alright to eat some grapes form a neighbors harvest if hungry, or to pick a few ears of corn. As long as you did not harvest any food for the taking. i.e. fill your belly and move on. (The Pharisees should have know this).
2But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day. Here we need to use common sense. We have some people spending time learning with Christ that are on the road, they are hungry, so they grab a couple ears of corn and eat it. There was no harvesting going on here. (According to Deuteronomy, they were within the law). Now her comes along some of the Pharisees, (the so called leaders of the religious community), that are trying to accuse Christ and those with Him of breaking the law. (They were caught up in their own traditions and still didn't get it right). "Just as many churches today." (It seems that every church has there own little tradition to set themselves apart from others).
3But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him; Documented in (I Samuel 21:6). It was alright for a "priest" to eat of the shewbread (hallowed bread). Now was David a priest? "He was more important than a priest." David was an anointed one; one that the Son "Jesus Christ" would come through. An anointed one doing the work of God. Keep in mind that David was on the run from King Saul and under the protective wing of the Heavenly Father. God was not going to let David and his men starve to death because of some useless tradition. How did Saul respond? When he found out the priests helped David, he had the priests killed.
4How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests? The point Christ was making here is that they were doing God's work, and there was no law broken when they partook of the bread. It was more important that David and his men were kept alive rather than keeping a traditional rule of the law. (Again, Christ would come through David, no David, no Messiah).
5Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless? According to the law, Priests worked on the Sabbath (Numbers 28:9-10, 18-19), and they are blameless.
6But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple. Christ is the "living temple" that is greater than their temple building. (John 2:19-21). To many people put their faith in a fancy building rather than in Jesus Christ.
7But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless. Christ told them, if you only understood the meaning of this scripture verse; "I want you to be merciful more than I want your offerings," quoting from (Hosea 6:6). God does not want your burnt temple offerings. "He wants your love." Those who were plucking the corn were guiltless. (Psalm 94:21, 109:31).
8For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day. Jesus Christ has authority over the Sabbath! (Luke 6:5). The Sabbath days were a shadow of Christ. He has done all the work, so that we now find our rest in Him. The Sabbath day was nailed to the cross. (Colossians 2:13-17). "He became our Sabbath and rest." People need to quit making a religion out of a certain day, time of the year, church doctrine, or traditional belief. (Sabbath or Sunday worship, Easter or Passover, Rapture or no Rapture, Christmas or no Christmas). Its believing in the "Living God," that is important.
9And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue: Back to church.
10And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him. The Pharisees main purpose was to try and accuse Christ of breaking the law. (They considered healing to be work). They wanted Him to say yes so they could arrest Him. Let's see how He answered them.
11And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out? Everyone new that they would go and save the sheep that had fallen into the pit, even if it was on the Sabbath.
12How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days. Man is more important than sheep. It is lawful to do "good" on the Sabbath. "Not only God's work, but any good works."
13Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other. Now let me ask you... Did Christ "touch" this man? No! He overpowers the Pharisees by saying; "Stretch forth thy hand." (They could not accuse Him of touching the man; that would be work according to them). We must be wiser than the serpent. Christ knew what they were thinking and how they wanted to trick Him. (You can't trick or con God).
14Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him. The Pharisees were not happy with what had just happened, and held a meeting on how they may destroy Christ for doing well on the Sabbath. (He ruffled up their traditional beliefs a little and they didn't like it). When you teach the truth, you are not going to be very popular with the general religious community who follow traditions of men and church doctrine.
15But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all; Again; Christ new what they were thinking, so He left the church and the congregation followed Him. (Now the religious community is really upset with Jesus, He is pulling people away from their livelihood). Just as with many churches today, "Its all about the your tithes and offerings."
16And charged them that they should not make him known: "Keep this on the down low." He cautioned them about revealing the miracles He performed, but the word would get around anyway. (Mark 7:36), the more He told them to keep it quite, the more it was published.
17That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Teaching from (Isaiah 42:1-4).
18Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles. Behold My servant the Messiah. He will show justification to the (non-Jewish) nations.
19He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. He does not fight or shout, or raise His voice in public. "He humbles Himself." (Matthew 11:29). Just as we are to humble ourselves to the knowledge of truth. (2 Timothy 2:24-25).
20A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. He does not crush the weak, or quench the smallest hope or little fire. (He is very gentle and fans the flames). However, He will end all conflict with His final victory. (Revelation 6:2).
21And in his name shall the Gentiles trust. He is the light to the gentiles, "those who did not reject Him." (Isaiah 11:10, Luke 2:32, Colossians 1:27). He is the "hope" of the whole world.
22Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw. Jesus totally healed him. This is real power, documenting that He is Messiah. Even the evil spirits knew that He was Christ (Mark 3:11, Luke 4:41).
23And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David? The crowds were amazed. "Maybe Jesus is the Messiah." they exclaimed.
24But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. The Pharisees were really mad now, they heard about this miracle and accused Jesus of being a devil. One who gets their power from the "prince of demons." (Satan, the king of devils). Remember back in verse 15 when Christ left the synagogue, most of the congregation left with Him. The Pharisees were not happy about this. (Lose the congregation, lose all the money).
25And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: A divided Kingdom ends in ruin, and a city or home divided against itself cannot stand.
26And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? Satan would not cast out himself.
27And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges. The Pharisees believed in and practiced exorcism. Jesus lays this question on them; If you claim that I am casting out demons by invoking the powers of Satan, then by what power do your children use when casting them out? "Let them answer your accusation." They had no power or authority to cast out devils, they were part of Satan and his devils already. (The accusers)!
28But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. Jesus cast out devils by the Spirit of God (the Holy Spirit), God's Kingdom had come down to them, but they didn't realize it.
29Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house. One cannot rob Satan's kingdom without first binding Satan. Only then can his demons be cast out. Christ had to be stronger than Satan in order to rid this man of evil spirits. (Christ was saying; I am stronger than Satan).
30He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. Anyone that isn't helping me is harming me. (Luke 11:23). If you get yourself wrapped up in traditions of men and false teachings, they make void the Word of God. (Revelation 3:15-16).
31Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. (Luke 12:10-12). "The unforgivable sin." Many believe this can only happen when you are delivered up before the synagogues, magistrates, and powers. (i.e. delivered up before Satan in the end times as a witness for Christ). However, if you are persistent in denying, slandering, or speaking evil against the "Holy Spirit of God," you may not be forgiven and are in real trouble. (Mark 3:29, Acts 7:51). Not only that, but if you constantly go against the Holy Spirit and cause other Christians problems. "God just might take you out!" (I have seen it happen more than once).
32And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. So, speaking against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven in this world, or the world to come. If you blow it here on earth, you will never make it to the new world. (Our eternal life world that will be set up here on earth).
33Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. You can tell what kind of tree is before you by the fruit it produces. What trees were in the garden? The tree of "knowledge of good and evil" (Satan), and the "tree of life" (Christ). Don't be deceived or conned by fruitless people and false teachers! If they are good people, you will see it in their righteous acts. If they are evil people, you will see it in their sin. However, don't judge others, leave the judging to the Heavenly Father.
34O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. Jesus was addressing those who accused Him; How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For a mans heart determines his speech. (You speak what's in your heart). Now lets take the word "generation" to the Greek. Strong's #108 which means (offspring or produce, fruit). Christ was talking to those who were of the seed of the serpent. (Genesis 3:13-15). They are called "Kenites" sons of Cain, or sons of Satan (Matthew 3:7, 23:33), that back then, worked their way into the Jewish community. Now they have worked their way throughout the world.
35A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. A good mans speech reveals his rich treasure within his heart. (Psalm 37:30-31, Proverbs 15:23, Proverbs 16:21, 16:23, Colossians 3:16, 4:6). An evil hearted man is filled with venom, and his speech reveals it. (Matthew 12:34, Proverbs 15:28).
36But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. This leans towards false teachings and traditions of men. This word "idle" is "argos" G692 in the Strong's, means lazy or useless. The word "speak" used here means to utter words or preach. This mainly applies to those who preach and teach the Word, but also refers to all believers and seed planters. Remember, judgment begins at the pulpit. (I Peter 4:17), "Don't listen to a preacher, teacher, or person that don't know what they are talking about." God will judge all their secrets and works! (Ecclesiastes 12:14, Romans 2:16, Revelation 20:12).
37For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. Preachers, teachers, and people will be held accountable for what they say and teach. i.e. what comes out of your mouth can either justify you or condemn you. "This also applies to everyday life." (Sometimes it is better to keep your mouth shut)!
38Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. They wanted Christ to show them a miracle because they would not believe what they have heard. (Mark 8:11-12, Luke 11:16, 11:29, John 2:18, 4:48). The Jews always required a sign, but others would seek after His wisdom. (1 Corinthians 1:22). "Don't test God!"
39But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: Adulterous generation: Idol worshippers and friends of the world. (Ezekiel 23:37, James 4:4). They wanted a sign? Jonah was the prophet sent to pronounce judgment on Nineveh, but didn't listen to God and went the other way, ending up in the belly of the fish for three days. Jonah means (Dove), which is symbolic of the Holy Spirit. Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, Jesus was a sign to this generation. (Luke 11:29:30).
40For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. What happened to Jonah was symbolic of what would happen to Christ. Jonah was in the belly of a great fish for three days, and Christ would be in the tomb for three days before His resurrection.
41The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here. Nineveh repented for their sins at the preaching of Jonah. However, with all the healings and miracles Christ performed, they still would not believe that He was the Messiah. (They reject Him to this very day).
42The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. Speaking of the Queen of Sheba (I Kings 10:1-13), who heard stories of King Solomon and his wisdom. She traveled from far away to meet King Solomon and listen to him. But, here we have Jesus Christ (one who holds all the wisdom of the world and in heaven), and they would not listen to Him. What a bunch of fools!
43When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. When an evil spirit leaves someone it seeks rest but finds none. An evil spirit only finds rest when it is haunting someone.
44Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. When the evil spirit leaves someone, the one it leaves is nice and clean, but if you do not place Christ in its place, guess who is coming back? The same demon that left.
45Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation. But, now the demon brings back more demons with him and the person is worse of than before. The message here is to have power over your enemies. First you must drive them out; then you must place Christ in their place. If not, these demons will come back ten fold. So it will be with this evil generation (those who follow Satan), who will just keep getting worse in their ways. "Not going to be good for them on judgment day!"
46While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him. Christ's Mother and brothers were there. Reference: (Mark 6:3, John 2:12).
47Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. Someone told Jesus they wanted to speak with Him.
48But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? Christ was not speaking against His Mother or brothers. This was His way of teaching that "God" comes before family. (Matthew 10:37).
49And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! Meaning family. The many member family of God. (John 17:8-9, 17:20).
50For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother. We can all be part of the family of God, if we do His will. "Hear the Word of God, believe it, and do it." (Matthew 7:20-21, Mark 3:35, Luke 8:21, 11:28, John 6:40, 1 Peter 4:2, Revelation 22:14). The many member body of Christ. "Whosoever will."
Keep the faith,
Barton
