Primary Text: Matthew 12:22-50
Memory Verse: “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:35-37
Introduction:
We expounded on the section of the scriptures found in Matthew 12:1-21 in the thirteenth lesson of the last quarterly. That important passage encapsulated the rebellion against the Lord’s principles concerning His treatment of the Sabbath. Jesus’ threefold reply to the Jews’ accusations was an appeal of confirmation made to a king, the priests, and a prophet.
Jesus appealed to King David (Matthew 12:3-4), who with his soldiers had eaten bread consecrated to be eaten only by the priests. If the king could set such a precedent of need and break with legal tradition, why should the Lord’s disciples be criticized for something that was allowed in the law?
Jesus also appealed to the priests (Matthew 12:5-6) who were required to offer a set number of sacrifices on the Sabbath (Nurmbers 28:9-10). Their service was without controversy, for it was performed in obedience to God’s law.
Finally, Jesus appealed to the prophet Hosea: “For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings” (Hosea 6:6 see Matthew 12:7). The Sabbath law marked Israel’s relationship to God, but was also an act of mercy for men and beasts, granting them rest each week. Any law contrary to mercy and the wholesome care of nature should be examined.
Prior to the rejection of Jesus’ principles, Jesus had revealed the proudly corrupt minds and hearts of the Jewish religious leaders in their deplorable silence at John the Baptist’s imprisonment. Inwardly, they’d rejected John’s ministry, but due to John’s public popularity, had not vocally opposed him. John was the prophesied forerunner the Messiah.
This brings us to the rest of Matthew 12, which shows public rejection in two realms: (1) against Jesus’ power (Matthew 12:22-37), and (2) against Jesus’ claim of Messiahship (Matthew 12:38-50).
Studying the Word
Lesson Study
- Discuss the response of some of Jesus’ well-meaning friends to His unorthodox ministry? Mark 3:20-21; Luke 8:1-3
- Why do you believe Jesus was willing to deliver and heal a demon-possessed man on the Sabbath? Matthew 12:22-24; Mark 3:22
- Explain Jesus’ wise response to the Pharisees accusations that He was casting out devils by the spirit of the devil. Matthew 12:25-27; Mark 3:23-26
- How did this act of deliverance from the demonic, and Jesus’ parable about the householder, reaffirm His claim as the true Messiah? Matthew 12:28-30; Mark 3:27
- What sobering words did Jesus speak about blasphemy against the Holy Spirit? Matthew 12:31-32; Mark 3:28-29
- What sobering words did Jesus speak about being one day judged for every idle word that we speak? What does this reveal about the absolute holiness of God? Matthew 12:33-37
- What did Jesus have to say about those who requested proof of Jesus’ claims? Matthew 12:38-45
- How did Christ show the incredible depth of His love and passion for His spiritual family? Matthew 12:46-50; Mark 3:31-35; Luke 8:19-21