Sunday: Ministering in Galilee — Mark 3:20-21; Luke 8:1-3
The Lord’s personal entourage must have looked odd. Some were poor; some were rich; many had previously led terrible lives; others had been simple tradesmen. Where were the influential scholars who could lend some balance to Christ’s ministry? Some must have thought that Jesus was leading a spiritual circus, for His friends saw His odd life and came to “help” Him. God’s ways and callings don’t make sense to the naturally-minded person. Later, even Jesus’ family would want to bring Him home for rest (Mark 6:3). Jesus would not be averted from His mission.
Monday: A Demon-Possessed Man — Matthew 12:22-24; Mark 3:22
Jesus encountered a man bound by the three-fold captivity of Satan: heart, eyesight, and tongue. But Christ can deliver even those who are “shut off” from the world, heal the heart’s corruption, open spiritually blinded eyes, and redeem even the mouth to sing God’s praises. If Jesus had not healed the man, the Pharisees would probably have vilified Him as a charlatan with no power. But since Jesus was successful in casting out the demon, they accused Him of evil sorcery. Today, we must remember that the enemy hates to lose and will stop at nothing to crush God’s work.
Tuesday: Satan’s Kingdom Divided? — Matthew 12:25-27; Mark 3:23-26
Jesus’ response to the Pharisees’ accusations exposed their lack of logic. No kingdom can stand that is working against itself. While Satan and his power are no match for the power of God, still his kingdom is united in its deadly purpose of stealing and destroying souls. The devil’s kingdom could never exist if it opposed itself. Jesus then turned His focus on the Jewish exorcists of His day. By what power were they casting out demons? If their power was being drawn from the devil, then they also should be exposed for being in league with Satan. Doesn’t it seem odd that the Pharisees didn’t rejoice over the demon-possessed man’s deliverance?
Wednesday: By the Spirit of God — Matthew 12:28-30; Mark 3:27
Many early Jewish sources report that Satan or demons were “bound,” or imprisoned, after God subdued them. Magical texts discuss the “binding” of demons by magical means. To make the truth clear, Jesus gave the short parable about tying up a protective householder, showing that He had defeated Satan and could therefore plunder his possessions, freeing those who were demon-possessed. This was even more evidence that He was the Messiah.
Thursday: Blaspheming the Holy Spirit — Matthew 12:31-37; Mark 3:28-30
The “sin against the Holy Spirit” is an issue that has been greatly debated among Bible scholars. One can believe and yet reject Christ and be forgiven—ask Peter. One can have malice against Christ and His church, and be forgiven—ask Paul. What is this sin for which there is no pardon? Judas Iscariot combined the knowledge that Jesus was the Christ with the malice of open rebellion against Him. For Judas, no forgiveness could be found.
Friday: Give Us a Sign! — Matthew 12:38-45
The ones to always demand a sign of proof are those without faith. Before them stood the Messiah, the sinless Son of God, the divine Healer, the Light of the world. His existence before them should have been proof enough. He was greater than Jonah in His person, in His obedience, and in His love for people. He was greater than Solomon in wisdom, wealth and works. Nineveh and the Queen of Sheba will witness against Jesus’ generation.
Saturday: A New Spiritual Family — Matthew 12:46-50; Mark 3:31-35; Luke 8:19-21
Jesus never dishonored His earthly family, but He did use this opportunity to emphasize the family of God. While there were those whom Jesus honored for their faith and selfless works, He always rejected the honor that men tried to bestow upon Him. But Jesus thrived on the honor given to Him by His heavenly Father, especially the gift of His new spiritual family.