Matthew 12:29   The devil would not willingly allow himself to be defrauded. Though the devil may allow some persons to seemingly have power in the spirit realm, this supposed power is only a token show to draw the practitioner further into the darkness. Jesus had authority to not only cast the demons out, but to order them…

Matthew 12:28   Jesus knew, just as the Pharisees did, that to admit that he cast out demons by the Holy Spirit would be the same as admitting to his identity as the Messiah. None before had had such a successful, or productive, ministry in opposition to the very power of the devil. They knew they…

Matthew 12:27   There were those among the disciples of the Pharisees, here referred to as their ‘children,’ who did presume to practice exorcism. In some cases, these might have even employed the name of Christ. Thus, Jesus points out the fact that the Pharisees could never prove their claim against Christ without also condemning themselves…

Matthew 12:26   Satan does indeed have a kingdom in this present world. He rules the present world system. However, he may not do all that he would like because of the church. The Holy Spirit prevents much of his plans by his defense of the church. It is important to understand that the devil is not some…

Matthew 12:25   Before this amazing argument against the reasoning of the Jewish leaders, we are told that Jesus knew thier thoughts. This is also something the devil cannot do. He may not always know what someone is thinking. He is an exceptionally good guesser, but he cannot read everyone’s thoughts. Those who invite him to…

Matthew 12:24   This was ‘plan b’ for Pharisees. Their logic was simple, and willfully ignorant of the truth. They reasoned that since they knew they were God’s servants, and they were unable to heal the demoniac that was blind and mute, then if Jesus could he must be of the devil, and not from God. Logic is…

Matthew 12:23   There were those among the Pharisees who practiced exorcism. Thus, they were being upstaged by Christ because of his authority over the demonic forces. They would have been unable to cast out this demon, and they may have been the ones that brought the man to Christ. Their hope was likely that Jesus…

Matthew 12:22   What a picture of salvation! Without Christ we are blind to the Truth, and we do not and cannot hear God’s voice in his Word. After he changes us, we can see, and we can hear, for the very first time. Bible Reading: Exodus 24:1-26:37 Scripture Memory: 1 John 2:19 “They went out…

Matthew 12:21   One of the most amazing signs that Jesus was truly the Messiah was his ministry to the Gentiles. Though this was the last thing that the Jews were likely to recognize, it should have been quite apparent to them. In several cases Jesus is seen ministering to Gentile people as part of his…

Matthew 12:20   This last weekend I heard an excellent explanation of this verse by a good pastor friend of mine, Matt Hinkle. The bruised reed, he says, is like those who have been hurt by a sudden blow. Their lives have been damaged by some surprise calamity that has left them scarred and wounded. Jesus…