Matthew 12: 22 - 32

Pastor Brian McGuffin

September 22, 2024

Introduction

In our culture today, religion is not considered to be that important, or many people think the various religions in the world just help people feel good.

When have you questioned yourself about your faith?  What likely made you doubt whether Christianity was true?

How willing are you to share your faith with others - especially people who likely don't go to church at all?  What holds you back? What helps you to speak up?

Scripture

Matthew 12: 22 - 32  NIV

Jesus and Beelzebul

22 Then they brought him a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, and Jesus healed him, so that he could both talk and see. 23 All the people were astonished and said, “Could this be the Son of David?”

24 But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons.”

25 Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. 26 If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand? 27 And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your people drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. 28 But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

29 “Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can plunder his house.

30 “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. 31 And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32 Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.

Discussion Questions

1. What was the miracle that Jesus did?

2. The people were wondering if Jesus was the Messiah, but seemed hesitant to say that. Can you think of 2 reasons why they hesitated to declare Jesus as the Messiah?

3. What was Jesus logical/reasonable explanation for why the Pharisees were wrong? (You might find 2 or 3 reasons.)

4. a) What is "blasphemy against the Holy Spirit"?

    b) Pastor Brian gave us an example of someone who felt they had sinned a lot but were still forgiven. Look up 1 Timothy 1: 13 - 14. What did the Apostle Paul say about forgiveness?

    c) Have you ever known someone who worried about losing their salvation from God - or has that ever crossed your mind? What do you think makes you (or someone else) feel  that worry/concern about God's acceptance?

    d) There is a website that answers many questions about the Bible and our faith in a Biblical    way -  gotquestions.org

To get a good explanation with many verses to back up what is said, go to that website and type in these titles:

            How Can I Know for Sure that I Will Go to Heaven When I Die?

            How Can I Have Assurance I'm Saved?

5. Following Jesus and believing He is the Son of God makes a difference in our lives. If someone asked you what being a Christian meant, what would you say?

Take some time to write out your explanation of how/why you became a Christian and what it means to you. Thinking this through may help you if someone asks you about your faith.