Jesus starts this chapter by declaring His Lordship over the Sabbath, and by taking on the hypocrisy of the age (they would save a sheep on the Sabbath but not a man? – dumb!). He then “hides out” and the crowds follow Him. After healing a demon-possessed man, the leaders of the day start to determine that He is a demon casting out demons. Jesus then states famously that a house divided cannot stand (Lincoln later uses this) and then states the most troubling verse to many in Matthew. Matthew 12:31 states that “blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.”

I’ve had many come nervously to discuss this passage – afraid that hell is beckoning due to some statement they may have used as a non-believer or something along that lines. Check this or this or this for more info on it from 3 different sources. However, it is clear that from the passage, this sin is attributing the work of God to satan and thus is a rejection of God and His work. Of course this is unforgiven, until one puts his or her hope in Jesus. Remember, His yoke is easy and burden is light.

Hope you’re loving the reading! I know I am!