Miracles of Physical Healing— The Blind and Mute Demoniac
Matthew 12:22-37; Mark 3:19-30; Luke 11:14-15, 17-23
In describing your conversational style, are you: (a) A gossip? (b) A closed book? © Speak your mind? Or (d) Nice and easy?
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Jesus and the Prince of Demons
Matthew 12 22 Then a demon-possessed man, who was blind and couldn’t speak, was brought to Jesus. He healed the man so that he could both speak and see. 23 The crowd was amazed and asked, “Could it be that Jesus is the Son of David, the Messiah?”
24 But when the Pharisees heard about the miracle, they said, “No wonder he can cast out demons. He gets his power from Satan,[a] the prince of demons.”
25 Jesus knew their thoughts and replied, “Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed. A town or family splintered by feuding will fall apart. 26 And if Satan is casting out Satan, he is divided and fighting against himself. His own kingdom will not survive. 27 And if I am empowered by Satan, what about your own exorcists? They cast out demons, too, so they will condemn you for what you have said. 28 But if I am casting out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you. 29 For who is powerful enough to enter the house of a strong man like Satan and plunder his goods? Only someone even stronger—someone who could tie him up and then plunder his house.
30 “Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me.
31 “So I tell you, every sin and blasphemy can be forgiven—except blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which will never be forgiven. 32 Anyone who speaks against the Son of Man can be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven, either in this world or in the world to come.
33 “A tree is identified by its fruit. If a tree is good, its fruit will be good. If a tree is bad, its fruit will be bad. 34 You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. 35 A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. 36 And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. 37 The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.”
Footnotes:
a. Matthew 12:24 Greek Beelzeboul; also in 12:27. Other manuscripts read Beezeboul; Latin version reads Beelzebub.
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“The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.”
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Questions of Discovery
Seeking God’s Message Then and Now
1. What three problems did the man have?
2. When Jesus healed the man, what was the man able to do?
3. How did the people react to Jesus healing? What question did the multitude ask?
4. The Pharisees accused Jesus of casting out the demons by the power of whom?
5. What three defenses does Jesus give in answer to the Pharisees' accusations (vv. 26-27, 29)?
6. Is neutrality to Jesus possible? Why or Why not?
7. What is meant by "blasphemy against the Spirit" (vv. 31-32)? How have the Pharisees committed this sin? Why is it impossible for this one sin to be forgiven?
8. What reason does Jesus give for the Pharisees' hostility (vv. 34-37)?
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Questions for
Personal Reflection
What real difference does Jesus' power make in your daily struggles against evil? In your freedom to be honest to God? In your daily speech with others?
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