WELCOME TO THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW A study

WELCOME TO THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW A study series on the Scriptures of our Lord Jesus Christ • Chapter 11 – 12 –Jesus confronts an evil generation; • This is a preparation for book 3 of 5 in Matthew’s gospel - the kingdom defined found in Matthew 13

THIS HELPS US TO SEE…WHERE WE HAVE BEEN

REVIEW AND REWIND � Chapter 10 wrapped up the second of five books in Matthew’s gospel with Jesus’ missionary instructions to the 12 newly appointed apostles. � Having demonstrated his power over � Nature � Sin � Death � He turned toward getting out the new of the kingdom through these apostles, on whom he bestowed his own power and authority to heal illnesses and cast out demons

THE ROLLER COASTER RIDE � Imagine for a moment the roller-coaster of their emotions as he first announced � They’d share in his power, � Then he told them to expect the same negative reception he has gotten, � Then he fortified them against certain persecution � His answer is the most frequently occurring promise of the New Testament: � Do not be afraid! Those who persecute you cannot touch your soul, and God has overcome the world.

THE KINGDOM DEFINED � We have seen the chart of book 3: � Chapters 11 -12 – are the precursor for the third big book, which is Matthew 13 “The Kingdom Defined” � From giving his missionary instructions, Jesus went on to confront the very people who gave him, and would give the apostles, the most trouble. � This book will encounter this situation in parables that help further define what God’s kingdom is all about and who belongs in the that kingdom

AS WE LOOK BACK AT THIS GOSPEL �I think we should ask ourselves a couple of questions: � What fears keep you from sharing the good news of God’s kingdom? � What in this series of Matthew’s gospel might help you face them and move on?

AS WE READ CHAPTERS 11 -12 � And any scripture we should notice and ask the questions: � Who? Is involved? � What? Is the circumstance? � When? Did this happen? � Where? Are we located? � How? Is dealt with? � Why? Is this happening?

CHAPTER 11 MOVEMENTS General: Jesus reassures the disciples of John the Baptist, rebukes several cities, rejoices in his Father’s wisdom, and reveals that he is the only way to the Father. � I. The Reassuring by the Savior (11: 1– 19) � II. The Rebuking by the Savior (11: 20– 24): � � � III. The Rejoicing by the Savior (11: 25– 26): � � Jesus denounces three Galilean cities Jesus thanks his heavenly Father for revealing spiritual truth to the childlike and for hiding it from those who think of themselves to be wise IV. The Revealing by the Savior (11: 27– 30)

THE REASSURING BY THE SAVIOR (11: 1– 19) � A. John’s request to Jesus (11: 1– 3): In a moment of doubt, the imprisoned Baptist sends a group of men to Jesus. � � � 1. Who they are (11: 1– 2): They are John’s disciples. 2. What do they ask (11: 3): John wants to know if Christ is really the Messiah. B. John’s reassurance by Jesus (11: 4– 19) � � 1. The proof for John (11: 4– 6): They are to return and tell John concerning all the miracles they see Christ do. 2. The praise of John (11: 7– 11): Jesus says John is one of history’s greatest men! 3. The prophet like John (11: 12– 15): Jesus compares John’s ministry with that of Elijah. 4. The prejudice against John (11: 16– 19): Jesus condemns his generation, who accuses John of being demon-possessed!

JOHN THE BAPTIST VS. 1 -19 � On the surface it appears that Jesus’ answer only repeats what John already knows: � That Jesus has been healing people and preaching the good news. � How does the way Jesus tells him, say much more than that? � Thoughts? � Ideas?

WE CAN LOOK ELSEWHERE FOR THE ANSWER � Isaiah 35: 4 -6 and Isaiah 61: 1 -2 � Jesus quotes from the Old Testament to show that by his miracles, he is fulfilling prophecies about the Messiah. � “Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me, ” he concludes. � In other words, don’t be discouraged. Don’t doubt me because I’m not what you expected. � Look at the signs for what they really are. �I AM he who is to come

THE LEAST IS GREATER THAN JOHN � Jesus tells the crowd that John is more than a prophet; he is Elijah who was to come. � Jesus says that John the Baptist is the greatest of all the prophets, sent to prepare the way for Jesus and the kingdom. � Yet, great as he is, even the least in the kingdom is greater than John. What is meant by this statement made by Jesus? � Thoughts? Comments?

ONE POSSIBLE ANSWER � John, although he stand at the very edge of the new covenant, belongs to the age of the old. � He is announcing the new covenant, and he is preparing others for it, even baptizes the “one who is to come” – and yet he will die before Christ’s work is completed. � The least of those who actually enter Christ’s kingdom will be part of his bride – the Church – and therefore will have a higher privilege than John, who was only a friend of the bridegroom.

YET ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE � John � In himself realizes this. John 3: 27 -30, the people are concerned that Jesus’ ministry seems to be overtaking John the Baptist’s. � He says to them, “I am not Christ, but I have been sent before him…He must increase, I must decrease.

WHAT DOES JESUS SAY ABOUT THIS GENERATION IN VS. 16 -19? � Jesus rebukes those of his generation who reject John and Jesus. � They didn’t listen to him when he piped or to John when he mourned. � They will not associate with Jesus, who celebrated and associated with all kinds of people, or with John, who followed very strict rules of self-denial.

CONTINUED… � We both have our places, he implies. � If you were spiritually wise, you would look beneath these externals and hear their message. You would see that both of us are sent from God, for specific reasons and despite our differences. � You may not believe, but this wisdom will be justified by “her deeds” – the miracles I perform.

WHAT ARE THE DEEDS OF CHRIST? VS. 2 � These are the works and credentials of the awaited Messiah. � Jesus performs Messianic signs in Galilee in chapters 8 -9. � His work stirs such great public interest that even John is hearing of his work, even though he is in prison.

WHO IS BLESSED IN VS. 6 � Blessed him. is the man who takes no offense at � Jesus just recalled the prophecy of Is. 26: 19, Is. 29: 18 -19; and Is. 35: 5 -6 of all the works that Jesus has done. � Blind recovering sight, lame walking, lepers cleansed, deaf hearing, dead raised to life, poor have the good new preached to them. � Speculation in this statement is that John the Baptist did not have complete trust in the Lord?

WHAT IS MEANT BY “BEHOLD I SEND”? VS. 10 � John the Baptist’s ministry recalls the passage of Mal. 3: 1 � This messenger is also the forerunner � Malachi’s prophesies associate the Lord’s forerunner as Elijah, the great prophet of the OT in Mal. 4: 5. � Jesus views John as this prophet, who preaches repentance to Israel in the “spirit” of Elijah, and offers God’s faithful remnant a final opportunity for salvation.

SUFFERING VIOLENCE? VS. 12 � Satan had attempted to take men from God’s kingdom; John himself was imprisoned and executed for announcing it in Mat. 14: 10. � Jesus suffers a violent death for inaugurating God’s kingdom and rebuking who oppose it in Mat. 23: 13 � Another view – is to look at the opponents of Jesus who are trying to prevent people from accepting the kingdom and to snatch it away from those who have received it.

PIPING AND WAILING? VS. 17 � This gives us a view of the contemporaries who are walking with the Lord, some are piping about Jesus’ ministry. � Piping � Others, is a joyous occasion like a wedding however are wailing � Wailing � Jesus is like a funeral is using this to point out not only final judgment, but that the unbelievers of Jesus’ generation who refuse the invitation to embrace the kingdom.

OUTLINE OF THE REBUKING LORD � II. The Rebuking by the Savior (11: 20– 24): � � A. Korazin and Bethsaida (11: 20– 22) � � Jesus denounces three Galilean cities. 1. Their privilege (11: 20– 21 a): He did many miracles among them. 2. Their pride (11: 21 b): They rejected him. 3. Their punishment (11: 22): Wicked Tyre and Sidon will be better off on judgment day than they! B. Capernaum (11: 23– 24) � � � 1. Its privilege (11: 23 b): Identical to that of the above cities. 2. Its pride (11: 23 a): Identical to that of the above cities. 3. Its punishment (11: 24): Wicked Sodom will be better off on the judgment day than Capernaum!

WOE TO UNREPENTANT CITIES… � Read vs. 20 -24, then us together locate these cities on the map on the wall. � Why do you suppose Jesus is comparing the first three unfavorably cities to Tyre and Sidon and pronounce such a harsh judgment on them? � Comments? � Thoughts?

POSSIBLE ANSWER Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum are all in Galilee, “where most of his mighty works had been done. ” – vs. 20 � They have been privileged to witness to the miracles of Jesus first handed, . Yet they have not repented of their sin. � Tyre and Sidon on the other hand, were Gentile cities that Jesus says would have repented, given the same opportunity. � � Sodom was destroyed for its immorality and for refusing to properly receive God’s messengers, yet Jesus says the Day of Judgment will be more tolerable for Sodom than for them.

ANOTHER WAY TO LOOK AT IT… � In spite of being favored and blessed with � Jesus’ presence, � his teaching, � and his miracles, � His own people reject him and the mercy he offers. � They fail to repent, and believe in him.

LET’S LOOK AT THESE CITIES… � Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum in relation to each other � Chorazin and Bethsaida are both on the north side of the sea of Galilee. � Both of these cities are within five miles of Jesus’ home in Capernaum � Both are unresponsive to his ministry

CAPERNAUM � This city is right on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, and the home of Jesus’ ministry – Mat. 4: 13 � Just like his childhood home of Nazareth, this city rejects Jesus and his works. – Mat. 13: 53 -58 � Jesus’ rebuke on the city recalls God’s judgment on the king of Babylon in Is. 14: 1315 � How does this apply morally?

MORALLY SPEAKING � Capernaum signifies the soul that receives Christ but falls into mortal sin. � Because Christ dwelt there, the fallen away and prideful soul is subject to a harsh judgment like Sodom. 2 Pet. 2: 20 -22 � Sodom was destroyed by God in Gen. 19: 24 -25 � Sodom was the city of proverbial OT example of sexual sin and inhospitality that called down God’s wrath, and anger – Is. 1: 9 � What is left of Capernaum today? Nothing but ruins!

OUTLINE OF JESUS’ YOKE. VS. 25 -30 � III. The Rejoicing by the Savior (11: 25– 26): � Jesus thanks his heavenly Father for revealing spiritual truth to the childlike and for hiding it from those who think themselves wise. � IV. The Revealing by the Savior (11: 27– 30) � A. The illumination (11: 27): The believer can only know the Father through the Son. � B. The invitation (11: 28– 30): Jesus invites the weary and burdened to find their rest in him.

THE REVEALING OF THE FATHER? � In contrast to the unrepentant cities who reject Jesus’ teaching and miracles, who are those who know Father and who “come” to Jesus in vs. 25 -30? � Comments? � Thoughts?

THE ANSWER � The babes, and infants, and childlike, with their simple trust, are more open to God’s revelation of the Father. � Also those who turn to Christ with their burdens; � Those who take on his yoke instead and learn from him, they are given rest. � Now contrast those towns he just mentioned that reject him. � We are called to trust him with simplicity of infants � The childlike accept God, while the wise scribes and Pharisee have rejected him

WHAT IS THIS YOKE THAT JESUS IS REFERRING TO IN VS. 29? � Sir. 51: 23 -26 and 1 John 5: 3 help us understand it. � A yoke is not a burden but a way of carrying a burden that is shared, such as a yoke that joins a pair of oxen. � When a yoke is easy it is well fitted, like a fitted pair of shoes, which makes the burden light and easy to carry.

THE YOKE � When the yoke is easy, it makes it possible to keep our eyes fixed on the gaze of Christ and to live in obedience to his will. � Both of these liberate us and bring us peace and rest � In vs. 29, by yoke, Jesus is referring to his teaching, his wisdom and commandments, as opposed to the demands of the Law. � He asks us to share his yoke and learn with him, to follow in his steps.

TAKING ON A YOKE � Is like an apprenticeship in the school of wisdom, � His commandments are not burdensome in the way that the law was burdensome because paired with Christ, we have the power to carry them out.

AN INVITATION… � Jesus invites the burdened to take the yoke of obedience to his word. � It is resting in his word that they will find peace, comfort, and joy.

MATTHEW CHAPTER 12 OVERVIEW � General overview - Jesus heals the sick, confronts the Pharisees, and fulfills ancient prophecies. � Jesus and the Pharisees (12: 1– 14, 22– 45) On three separate occasions, Jesus is confronted by these wicked men. � II. Jesus and the Prophecies (12: 15– 21): Jesus fulfills the prophecies of Isaiah, who predicted the earthly ministry of the Messiah (Isa. 42: 1– 4). � III. Jesus and His Family (12: 46– 50)

CHAPTER 12: 1 -14 OUTLINE � A. The Sabbath conflict (12: 1– 14): The Pharisees take issue with Jesus when he performs his miracles. � 1. In regard to eating on the Sabbath (12: 1– 8): Jesus is criticized by the Pharisees for allowing his disciples to pluck some heads of grain from a field on the Sabbath. The Savior reports by pointing out two facts: � a. The purpose of the Sabbath (12: 1– 7): The Sabbath was made for man, and not the reverse! � (1) As seen in the life of David (12: 3– 4): David and his men ate the bread reserved for the priests. � (2) As seen in the law of Moses (12: 5– 6): The priests are allowed to serve in the Temple on the Sabbath. � (3) As seen in the Book of Hosea (12: 7) : God wants them to be merciful; he doesn’t care that much about their sacrifices. � b. The person of the Sabbath (12: 8) : The Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath! � 2. In regard to healing on the Sabbath (12: 9– 14): Jesus notices a man with a deformed hand. � a. The accusation (12: 9– 10): The Pharisees ask Jesus whether it is legal to work by healing on the Sabbath day. � b. The answer (12: 11– 12): Jesus replies by asking them if they would rescue a sheep on the Sabbath. He says, “Of course you would! And how much more valuable is a person than a sheep!” � c. The action by the Savior (12: 13– 14): He heals the man’s hand.

THE SABBATH… � What two charges did the Pharisees bring against Jesus and his disciples in vs. 1 -14? � The Pharisees bring charges of two violations of the Sabbath laws in Ex. 24: 21 � Working on the Sabbath � Healing on the Sabbath

THE DEFENSE? � What was Jesus’ defense to the Pharisees? � Note: If you want to read more about the incident Jesus refers to in dealing with the Sabbath in vs. 3 -4, it can be found in 1 Sam. 21: 1 -6. In the following verses, priests “profane the Sabbath” without guilt when they do the work required to offer sacrifice on the Sabbath. � Thoughts? � Comments?

ONE POSSIBLE ANSWER � Jesus cites precedent in Scripture to defend his disciples’ actions. � King David himself set aside the law reserving the bread of the Presence for the priests to feed himself and his men, and priests are not held to the law that no work can be done the Sabbath, so they can serve God by offering sacrifice. � Similarly, Jesus’ disciples are getting grain to eat because of their physical need for food and so they can serve one who is greater then the temple and lord of the Sabbath.

STILL FURTHER… � Jesus then points to the Pharisees themselves, who allow works of mercy on the Sabbath in the case of hurt animals. � If animals, why not men, he asks, who are of much more value than sheep. � In vs. 7 he returns to his accusations that they never learned what God meant by “I desire mercy, and not sacrifice” – Hos. 6: 6. They are putting all their focus on the eternal letter of the law, thereby missing its point and its spirit.

THE ZEAL? � What was the original purpose of the Sabbath that the Pharisees with their zeal to enforce Sabbath regulations had lost? � Catechism 2168 -2172 will help us to answer this?

WE READ… � The Sabbath is the seventh day of the week, the day God rested after creating the world. When he brought Israel out of Egypt to be his people, one of the first things he charged them to do was to keep the Sabbath holy. They went to imitate God by resting from work on that day and letting others rest, especially the poor. � As such, the Sabbath was a protest against the servitude of work and the worship of money. � It also gave them a way to imitate God in showing mercy to others.

MORE… � The Sabbath was to be a permanent memorial of their liberation from bondage (the Pharaoh would not allow them to rest from their labor to worship God or for any reason). By setting apart one day a week to praise God and remember his work of creation and his saving acts on their behalf, it would also serve as a sign of the covenant between them.

WHAT ABOUT THE PHARISEES? � The Pharisees had turned a day when people were to drop their own concerns and focus on God, into a day burdened with remembering what not to do. They were so focused on doing no work that they had forgotten the importance of showing mercy. They failed to enter God’s rest, and kept others out of it as well.

NOT LAWFUL…ON THE SABBATH – VS. 2 � The Pharisees are charging the disciples with violating the old law which forbids harvesting on the Sabbath. � Duet. 23: 25 differentiates between plucking grain and harvesting it, the Pharisees forbade even plucking grain � What does St. Hilary say about this passage?

ST. HILARY SAYS… � Christ’s passing through the field signifies his passing into the world through the Incarnation, where he became flesh and one of us. � The standing grain is the harvest of souls ready to believe in the gospel and be gathered into the Church by the hungry disciples. � Interesting perspective – especially after studying book 2, the building of the kingdom.

GREATER THAN THE TEMPLE…. IS HERE – VS. 6 � What is meant by this? � The Jerusalem temple was spectacular because it housed the very presence of God among his people. � Now, God’s presence is Jesus, as the divine Son, exceeds that in the Temple. � The earthly sanctuary thus prefigured God’s more intimate presence in the world through Christ.

A CLOSER LOOK… � Jesus asserts his Lordship over the Sabbath. Since the Sabbath was meant for man’s good, doing good works on the Sabbath cannot be construed as unlawful. � If the Pharisees ware willing to save one of their livestock, they should be more willing to see a crippled man relieved of his burden on the same day. � Bottom line – the Sabbath forbids servile works, not works of mercy.

JESUS AND THE PROPHECIES (12: 15– 21): � � Jesus fulfills the prophecies of Isaiah, who predicted the earthly ministry of the Messiah (Isa. 42: 1– 4). A. Jesus’ heavenly relationships (12: 18 a– 18 b) � � � 1. Concerning the Father (12: 18 a): The Father would love him. 2. Concerning the Spirit (12: 18 b): The Spirit would fill him. B. Jesus’ earthly actions (12: 15– 17, 18 c– 21) � � 1. Concerning the nations (12: 18 c, 21): He would proclaim justice to the nations. 2. Concerning himself (12: 19): He would not be quarrelsome or rebellious. 3. Concerning the weak and hopeless (12: 20): He would treat them with gentleness and understanding. 4. Concerning the sick (12: 15– 17): He would heal the sick.

QUOTE TAKEN FROM ISAIAH – VS. 18 -21 � The Lord quotes Is. 42: 1 -4. � The father evokes this same passage at the Lord’s baptism in Mat. 3: 17. The servant can be translated as son. Matthew cites Isaiah for three reasons: � 1. It summarizes the portrait of Christ: Jesus is the Father’s beloved Son – Mat. 3: 17, 4: 3, 11: 2527, and the servant of the Lord – Mat. 8: 17, 11: 5, anointed by the spirit in Mat. 3: 16, who brings God’s grace to the Gentiles – Mat. 8: 5 -13

2 MORE REASONS FOR ISAIAH � 2. The citation is fulfilled when Jesus withdraws from his enemies and ministers to the lowly – Mat. 12: 20 – he has no regard for public acclaim – Mat. 12: 16, 12: 19 � 3. It points forward to the link of Jesus’ exorcisms with the power of the Spirit – 12: 28

THE CONFLICT OVER JESUS’ POWER – VS. 22 -37 � (12: 22– 37): The Pharisees claim that Satan is the source of Jesus’ miracles. On this occasion Jesus has just healed a demon-possessed, blind, mute man. � 1. The criticism by the Pharisees (12: 22– 29) a. Their accusation (12: 22– 24): “He gets his power from Satan, the prince of demons. ” � b. His argument (12: 25– 29) � � (1) “A city or home divided against itself is doomed” (12: 25). (2) “If Satan is casting out Satan, he is fighting against himself” (12: 26– 29). 2. The condemnation of the Pharisees (12: 30– 37) � a. Jesus says their sin is terrible (12: 30– 34). � � � (1) They are corrupt fruit trees (12: 30– 33): A tree is known by its fruit. (2) They are poisonous snakes (12: 34) : Whatever is in their hearts determines what they say. b. Jesus says their sin is terminal (12: 35– 37): The words they say now will determine their fate on judgment day.

QUICK QUESTIONS? � What really serious charge do the Pharisees make against Jesus? � Just as they did in chapter 9, the Pharisees charge Jesus with casting out demons not by the power of God but by the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons – the devil himself.

ANOTHER QUESTION? � How does Jesus revel the fallacy in their charge? � Jesus points out that Satan doesn’t fight against himself. � If he were to do so, his kingdom would collapse.

STILL ANOTHER QUESTION? � What grave risk does Jesus say the Pharisees are taking by making this charge? (vs. 30 -34) � Comments? � Thoughts?

ONE POSSIBLE ANSWER � Citing the Catechism paragraphs 1864, 679 � Jesus warns them that if he in fact does cast out demons by the power of God, then the kingdom of has arrived and they are in danger. � Standing against Jesus, they are scattering the kingdom and working against God. � And by attributing to Satan the work of God they are committing an unforgiveable sin they will be held accountable for on the day of judgment.

WHO IS THE SON OF DAVID? VS. 23 � This question reflects the Jewish tradition that King Solomon, the son of David, was empowered by God to exorcize demons. – Wis. 7: 20 � Similar abilities were expected of the coming of the Messiah of the line of David

WHY KINGDOM, CITY, AND HOUSE IN VS. 25 -26 � � Jesus uses this imagery as an allusion to the city and Temple of Jerusalem. By Jesus’ day, Jerusalem had reached a point of spiritual crisis. Long known as the Holy City, it was now the center of diabolical resistance to Jesus, with its leadership squarely opposed to the kingdom of heaven. Even the temple was by then forsaken and desolate – Mat. 23: 38 The Pharisees conspiracy here exposes them as unwitting collaborators and representatives of Satan’s kingdom. With the crucifixion the power of Satan is finally destroyed- a fact later evidenced by the plundering of his city (Jerusalem) and house (temple) in 70 AD – Mat. 12: 29

JESUS AND THE OLD TESTAMENT Matthew frequently quotes OT passages to establish Jesus’ credentials as the Messiah. � However, Jesus and Matthew often allude to the OT in more subtle ways by drawing comparisons between ancient persons, places, and events and Jesus himself. � This is typology – this is where God acts in salvation history, OT, in ways each time he reveals himself in the NT. � Jesus and Matthew look back on several OT figures and institutions to bring the surpassing glory of Christ and the new covenant in focus. � The heroes and memories of the OT bring clarity to the person of Christ. Jesus fulfills the OT. HOW? 6 ways! �

WHAT ARE THE SIX WAYS? � New Moses � New David � New Temple � New Israel � New Solomon � New Jonah � Let’s look at these just a little closer

NEW MOSES � As the supreme lawgiver of the OT, Moses prefigures Christ, who gives the new law in the sermon on the Mount (chap. 5 -7) � Jesus also reenacts experiences from Moses infancy and the prophets 40 days in the desert of fasting and solitude. – Mat. 4: 2, Ex. 34: 28 � Finally, Moses bears witness to Jesus’ greater glory at the Transfiguration – Mat. 17: 15, where Jesus is showcased as the prophet like Moses

NEW DAVID � As Israel’s ideal king, David foreshadows the role of Jesus, who assumes his royal throne forever. – Mat. 1: 1, 2: 2. � Jesus is greater than David – Mat. 22: 41 -45; his hungry disciples, like David’s companions, are permitted to breech the Sabbath – Mat. 12: 3. � As David gave Israel rest from its enemies – 2 Sam. 7: 1, Jesus saves Israel from its sins – Mat. 1: 21

NEW TEMPLE � The Jerusalem Temple housed the presence of God in the midst of Israel. � Similarly, Jesus comes bearing within himself God’s glory in a more profound way; he embodies divine holiness – Mat. 1: 23, 12: 6 � It is thus the Temple-God’s dwelling among his people-that prepared Israel to accept Christ’s incarnation, becoming man. � His presence is likewise embodied in a new spiritual temple, the Church – Mat. 16: 18, 18: 20

NEW ISRAEL � As Israel’s Messiah, Jesus reenacts the experience of the Israelites and their Exodus from Egypt – Mat. 2: 15. � He endures a 40 day period of testing in the wilderness, corresponding to Israel’s 40 years of testing. � Unlike wayward Israel, Jesus prevails over the devil through his obedience and trust in God. – Mat. 4: 1 -11 � Jesus’ disciples are now assigned Israel's vocation to be a light to the world. – Mat. 5: 14, Is. 42: 6

NEW SOLOMON � Solomon the “son of David” prefigures Jesus as the royal Son of God – Mat. 16: 16, 2 Sam. 7: 14 � Like Solomon, he receives gifts from the nations – Mat. 2: 11, 1 Kings 10: 23 -25 � As the wise Solomon 1 Kings 3: 12 built Israel’s temple 2 Sam. 7: 12 -14, Jesus is the wisdom in the flesh – Mat. 11: 19, 12: 42 and God’s designated builder of the new temple, the Church – Mat. 16: 18

NEW JONAH � Jonah was a Hebrew prophet. His experience sleeping on a ship and calming the storm – Jon. 1: 1 -16 anticipates that of Jesus with his disciples – Mat. 8: 23 -27 � Jonah’s three days in the belly of the whale foreshadows the death and third day resurrection of Jesus – Mat. 12: 39 -41 � In addition, the ministry of Jonah to the Ninevites beyond the borders of Israel anticipates the spread of Christ’s gospel to all nations – Mat. 28: 18 -20

WHAT IS BLASPHEMY AGAINST THE SPIRIT � This is the sin that will not be forgiven. It is a deep despair of God, and the sin is attributed to Satan the work of God � It is a mature spiritual hardness of heart that directs sinners away from God’s mercy and ends in final impenitence. � One who blasphemes the Spirit cannot receive forgiveness when he refuses to repent and seek forgiveness. � This is the sin that the Pharisees commit – Catechism 1864

BLASPHEMY � 1864 - There are no limits to the mercy of God, but anyone who deliberately refuses to accept his mercy by repenting, rejects the forgiveness of his sins and the salvation offered by the Holy Spirit. Such hardness of heart can lead to final impenitence and eternal loss

WHAT ARE THE CARELESS WORDS IN VS. 36 � Every careless word- these spoken insults call down God’s judgment – Mat. 5: 21 -26 � The NT frequently notes that gossip, slandering, and lies are serious sins, inconsistent with holiness and purity of speech.

JESUS CONFRONTS THIS GENERATION – VS. 3845 � (12: 38– 45): The Pharisees insist that Jesus do something spectacular just for them. � 1. Jesus refers to Jonah and Nineveh (12: 38– 41). � � a. The illustration from the life of the prophet of God (12: 38– 40): Jonah’s experience in the belly of the fish depicts Jesus’ death and resurrection; this is the only sign he gives them! b. The indictment from the lips of the people of Nineveh (12: 41) : The Ninevites will someday condemn Jesus’ generation, for Nineveh repented at the preaching of Jonah, but Jesus is greater than Jonah. 2. Jesus refers to Solomon and the Queen of Sheba (12: 42): She will condemn Jesus’ generation because she had great respect for Solomon, and Jesus is greater than Solomon. 3. Jesus refers to eight evil spirits (12: 43– 45): Here Jesus likens his generation to a demon-possessed man. � � a. The first state of the man (12: 43) : The original demon living within him departs. b. The final state of the man (12: 44– 45): Unable to find another person to indwell, the spirit returns to the man, this time bringing seven other spirits more wicked than himself.

WHAT DOES JESUS MEAN BY THE SIGN OF THE PROPHET JONAH? 12: 38 -45 � Catechism 994 helps us to understand � The OT prophet Jonah, who spent three days in the belly of a whale before being spat out alive on the shore, is a sign of Christ’s death and resurrection. After being saved from the fish, Jonah took a call for repentance to Ninevah, a wicked gentile nation that repented and was saved from God’s judgment only to turn around and carry off the northern tribes of Israel into exile when they failed to repent.

MORE ON JONAH AND NINEVAH � The Pharisees have attributed Jesus' work to the devil and have failed to repent. � They will kill Jesus too and bury him- yet like Jonah, he will rise to new life on the third day to complete his mission to bring good news to the Gentiles � (who 40 years later will completely destroy both Jerusalem and the Temple)

2 GROUPS � Jesus give two examples of Gentiles � One nation – Ninevah � One person – the Queen of the South, or Sheba � These will arise and condemn his generation. � Why would they do so? � Thoughts � Comments?

ONE ANSWER � Ninevah repented; the Queen of Sheba marveled at Solomon’s wisdom. � Here in Jesus was someone greater than either Jonah or Solomon, and his own countrymen are rejecting his wisdom and refusing to repent.

ANOTHER QUESTION? � Jesus and the Pharisees both expel evil spirits. � What will happen, though, if that generation fails to fill the resulting vacuum with acceptance of the kingdom Jesus offers and with the power of the Spirit of God? � Verses 43 -45 – Seven spirits more evil than the first will come in, and it will be worse off than before.

JESUS’ GENERATION CAN BE UNDERSTOOD IN 2 WAYS � 1. it is a warning to those who benefit from Jesus’ ministry without embracing his message and its demands. � � Since on must be not only emptied of evil but filled with divine goodness, the messianic works of Jesus should lead people to accept his messianic kingdom; otherwise they land themselves in a worse state than before 2. the controversy over exorcisms sets the stage for Jesus to establish the superiority of his New covenant ministry over the old as administered by the Pharisees. � � � Although the Pharisees expel evils spirits- vs. 27 – they leave a vacuum that exposes individuals to more sever counterattacks from Satan. Jesus also drives out demons, but unlike the Pharisees, he fills believers with the greater power of his kingdom through the spirit. Jesus’ contemporaries must prefer these blessings of his kingdom ministry to the real but limited benefits of the Pharisee’s ministry; otherwise they are left vulnerable to spiritual catastrophes worse than before.

JESUS GIVES US A MESSAGE OF HIS FAMILY � Jesus and His Family (12: 46– 50) � A. His earthly family (12: 46– 47): Jesus is told his mother and brothers are waiting to meet with him. � B. His eternal family (12: 48– 50): He says all who obey his heavenly Father are part of his family!

THE BIGGER FAMILY � In verses 46 -50. How does Jesus broaden the concept of family? � Comments? � John 1: 11 -13 and 1 John 3: 10 can be helpful to formulate an answer!

ONE POSSIBLE ANSWER � Jesus broadens the concept of family from the physical to the spiritual. � In the new kingdom, the children of God are not those who are born into it and can claim it by birthright, but those who receive Jesus, who believe and who act as God’s children, doing his will.

WHO ARE HIS BRETHREN? VS. 46 � The NT often mentions Jesus’ brethren. � The Church maintains, that Mary the Mother of God, remained a virgin throughout her entire life � Before � During � After � These the birth of Jesus. brethren of Jesus are thus his relatives but not children of Mary. Let’s look at 4 observations to help us understand this!

4 OBSERVATIONS 1. these brethren are never called children of Mary, although Jesus himself his – Mat. 19: 25 � 2. two names mentioned, James and Joseph, are sons of a different “Mary” in Mat. 27: 56 � 3. it is unlikely that Jesus would entrust his mother to the apostle John at the crucifixion if she had other natural sons to care for her – John 19: 26 -27 � 4. the word brethren (Gk. Adelphoi) has a broader meaning than blood brothers. Since ancient Hebrew had no word for “cousin”, it was customary to use brethren in the bible for relationships other than blood brothers. �

A LITTLE BIT MORE ON BRETHREN � In the Greek OT, a “brother” can be a: � nearly related cousin – 1 Chron. 23: 21 -22, � a more remote kinsman –Duet. 23; 7, 2 Kings 10: 13 -14), � an uncle or a nephew – Gen. 13: 8, � or the relation between men bound by covenant – 2 Sam. 1: 26, � Paul uses this word for his Israelite kinsmen in Rom. 9: 3

VS. 50 – DOING THE WILL OF THE FATHER � Obedience to God the Father creates relationships greater than natural family bonds. � Although Jesus has no biological siblings, his spiritual brothers and sisters are the adopted children of God – Rom. 8: 29, 1 John 3: 1 � They are empowered to obey the Father as he did – John 8: 29

CHAPTER 11 AND 12 APPLICATION � Think about these questions, and reflect on them: � Are you carrying a burden that is too heavy for you? Jesus says, “come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ” � Pray and ask God to show you what it means to exchange it for his yoke that is easy.