The Messiah and Satan

“Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.” (Matthew 12:25)

Jesus’ Power Over Demons

• The reality of demonic powers and Satan’s kingdom
  • the effects upon this man (12:22)
  • the reality of Satan’s kingdom (12:26)
• The work of Jesus in relation to these powers
  • healing (12:22)
  • driving out demons (12:27)
  • kingdom of God breaking in (12:28)
  • tying up the strong man and restoring house (12:29)

Jesus’ Power and the Unforgiveable Sin

• Jesus delivers by the power of God’s Spirit (12:28)
• Jesus’ deliverance divides humanity (12:30)
• Jesus’ work and blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (12:31-32)

Jesus and the Significance of Words

• Our words come from within (12:33-35)
• Our words reflect who we are (12:35)
• Our words define whose we are (12:36-37)

Making It Real

• Acknowledge Jesus as Lord over all, including demonic powers.
• Trust in the victory of Jesus and the Cross.
• Be aware of and beware the power of our words.

1. When did someone say something to you that you have never forgotten? What was it and why do you remember it?
2. This week we continue our series, “The Messiah’s Mission,” by looking at Matthew 12:22-37. Begin your study in prayer by asking God to speak to you through His Word. Then, whether you’re on your own or with others, read that passage aloud.
3. What are the positive effects of Jesus’ deliverance of the demon-possessed man?
4. Why do you think the Pharisees would attribute Jesus’ activity to Beelzebul, the prince of demons? [Note: Beelzebul is another name for Satan, and likely has the Hebraic meaning of “Lord of the heights” or “Lord of the house.”]
5. According to Jesus’ words in verse 25-29, why does the accusation against Him not make sense? What has He done that contradicts this claim?
6. How have you experienced the freeing and life-giving work of Jesus in your own life?
7. There is a lot of debate about “the unforgiveable sin” mentioned by Jesus in verses 30-32. Just as the Pharisees accused Jesus of blasphemy (see Matthew 9:3), now Jesus turns the tables and accuses them of blasphemy. Given the context of the Pharisees accusing Jesus of demonic activity here (12:24), what do you think Jesus means by “blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven”?
8. Have you ever encountered someone whose heart is so hardened that they cannot hear the good news or receive the message of Jesus? How did you approach them?
9. Jesus builds upon this teaching by talking about the importance of our words in verses 33-37. What is the source of our words, according to Jesus (see verses 33-35)?
10. In verses 36-37, how do our words “speak” about who we are and whose we are?
11. How might you need to rethink how you use your words based on this teaching of Jesus? 12. What is one thing God is speaking to you through this study? If you’re on your own, write that down, pray over it, and share it with someone this week. If you are with a small group, share your answers with one another before closing in prayer.

DIG DEEPER