Tag: Matthew 12:22-28
United by the Spirit
Scripture reading for October 27: Matthew 12:22-28 “Then a demon-oppressed man who was blind and mute was brought to Him, and He healed him, so that the man spoke and saw. And all the people were amazed and said, “Can this be the Son of David?” But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this man casts out demons.” Knowing their thoughts, He said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.”
When Jesus went out to preach and heal, He faced opposition from the forces of darkness in Satan’s kingdom and from the religious leaders of the Jews who accused Him of doing ministry of healing through Satan. Jesus pointed out that no kingdom divided against itself can stand. If He was actually using Satan to spoil Satan’s realm, then Satan would be working against his own kingdom.
This miracle brought amazement from the people and they began questioning whether or not Jesus was the promised Messiah, the Son of David. The Pharisees were jealous, accusing Jesus of using Satan’s power like a sorcerer or shaman. Jesus patiently pointed their error out and called them to reason with Him. If He had actually cast the demon out by the Spirit of God, He proposed, then the kingdom of God had actually come upon them. The healed man was a living testimony that God’s kingdom had come into their midst and the King was present!
As we consider the subject of healing, we must all check out our own hearts and assumptions when it comes to believing Jesus is the Son of God and has authority from God to cast out Satan. We must not be quick to judge people God is using by accusing them of using evil to accomplish good. Jesus gave authority to cast out demons and to heal to all His disciples.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the authority You give us Your children to stand against opposition. May my life demonstrate the kingdom of God in our midst. Amen.