The Mind of Christ

Matthew 12:28-31 But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon youor how can someone enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? Then indeed ^ghe may plunder his house. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven

Jesus in this section of Matthew is speaking to the “Uber” righteous religious establishment and they have just witnessed Jesus healing a demon possessed blind and mute man. The religious leaders then attribute this miracle to Beelzebul, saying that this would be the only way possible for this mericalous event to take place. Jesus knowing their hearts says to them that a kingdom divided will not prosper. This same argument that Jesus makes there Jesus later uses to talk about the unforgivable sin of “blasphemy the Holy Spirit. in verse 31. There are a few points that jump out to me, first what is this kingdom divided, and what is this blasphemy all about??

The concept of a divided kingdom, illustrated in 1 Kings 12, reflects both biblical history and modern family dynamics where children seek to divide parents for personal gain. Jesus highlights that, unlike such divisions, the Trinity—God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—operates in complete harmony. This unity is significant as Ephesians 1:3-5 emphasizes God’s blessings upon us, and Galatians 4:4-6 reveals the Holy Spirit’s role in our salvation through the Son’s sacrifice. Ultimately, this miracle exemplifies the perfect harmony within the triune God.

Secondly, we have this unforgiveable sin of blasphemy against the the Holy Spirit. Although a lot of ink has been spilled on this topic I don’t think it is really that difficult. We just read that a kingdom divided will NOT stand. So if the Holy Spirit dwells in you then this is simpllyy something that you can NOT do. Here are just a few verses…

1 Corinthians 6:19-20: Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God.
Romans 8:9: You are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you.
2 Timothy 1:14: Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the Holy Spirit who lives in us.
Romans 8:11: If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.
John 14:16-17: Jesus promises the Helper (Spirit of truth), saying, “He dwells with you and will be in you”.
1 Corinthians 3:16: Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?

This Spirit, The Holy Spirit, has tabernacled inside of us, why would the Holy Spirit blaspheme itself? It wouldn’t! The very essence of the Holy Spirit is intertwined with our being, ensuring that we are never left alone in our struggles and doubts. Ultimately, this passage points us to the gospel and the saving work of the triune God, a profound reminder of the grace that envelops us. Just like the religious establishment of the day wanted to separate Christ and His followers, seeking to undermine the truth and power of His message, Satan would like nothing better than to attempt to do that to us as well. His schemes may be subtle, but they are relentless, aiming to create division and doubt. However, God, rich in Mercy and full of Grace upon Grace, will not let that happen. His promises are enduring, assuring us that no matter the trials we face, His spirit within us fortifies our faith. Rest in the finished work on the cross, where victory was secured for all believers, and let that reality fill your heart with peace and hope each day.