Read Mark 3:20-30
What an encounter we witness in this reading! Jesus is busy fulfilling his mission, but even those closest to him don’t yet understand. They think Jesus has gone mad because he’s so busy serving by helping, healing, and casting out demons. The religious leaders are the ones who really miss the mark. Is their pride so strong that they must blaspheme the Holy Spirit?
I suppose if they were to accept Jesus’ actions, they would have to admit Jesus was the Messiah. Would that have been so horrible? Have you ever thought what Jesus’ ministry may have looked like had he not been an “enemy” in the eyes of the religious leaders who were anxiously awaiting the Messiah?
Jesus uses this opportunity to shoot down the religious leaders’ accusations. He is certainly not Satan or any of the evil one’s minions. Jesus gives several examples showing that claim is utterly ridiculous. We know that Jesus was acting by the Holy Spirit when performing his miracles deeds, not some evil spirit. Jesus tells us that to make that accusation is blaspheming the Holy Spirit, and that is unforgiveable in God’s eyes.
It helps to understand that blaspheming, simply put, is acting or speaking irreverently about God. Calling the Holy Spirit the devil is about as bad as it gets. Many Christians fear that they have accidentally fallen into the sinful trap of blaspheming the Holy Spirit. Have no fear–followers of Christ could never attribute any of Jesus’ actions, led by the Holy Spirit, to be from the devil instead of God.
Three of the four gospels speak to this unforgiveable sin. It’s that important. From my perspective, it’s a “no-brainer.” Jesus is only acting on God’s authority. He is God. When we look at Jesus, we see the face of God.
The examples Jesus gives us can also shed light on dysfunction within our communities. I remember being on a church team once when we were divided on an important issue facing the congregation. While we were coming at the situation with differing viewpoints, we were not making any progress in resolving the issues.
As Jesus says, “A kingdom divided by civil war will collapse.”
Mark 3:24
Don’t get me wrong, our church team was not at war, but there was serious feuding that nearly led to a breakdown in relationships and functioning of the group.
Harmony in our communities is always best, but that’s not the lesson Jesus was teaching. He wanted the people, particularly the religious leaders, to give credit where credit was due. The miraculous signs were a loving touch from God himself. The Spirit was empowering Jesus to change the lives he did.
The religious leaders would miss the point. If they hadn’t, Jesus life would not have ended like it did with his sacrifice for our sin. Think about that for a moment. This lesson is for us, to be careful to avoid the unforgiveable sin. We should never take God’s work in our lives for granted or give credit to the wrong source, namely Satan.
Showing reverence to God in all we say and do is another way to ensure we avoid this sin. That kind of behavior from us is also attractive and positive for those around us. Imagine if everyone you encountered was acting in a manner pleasing to God!
Let’s pray. Lord, you are worthy of honor and praise. At all times let there be gratitude on my lips for all your blessings and promises. Each day you give me is a gift. Help me to never take that for granted or give credit for your handiwork to someone else. You are the maker of heaven and earth. All things are in your control. I trust you with all my heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
