Didn’t you just want to scream, “Yes! You are right!” when the people began to contemplate whether Jesus was the Messiah? He was certainly causing a stir. I’ve often thought it would be cool to see a “where are they now” segment and reunite all the folks Jesus had healed and/or released from the bondage of demonic possession. We are never given a true number of how many people he cleansed. Whatever the number, they had to be living changed lives.
Jesus was visible and people were amazed by him. Are we amazed, too? After all, he is God, we shouldn’t be surprised at his abilities. Yet, when he came in flesh and blood, it was hard to look past the fact he was a regular man. He was human after all, just like them. These people were on to something, it was the Pharisees who were blind.
These religious leaders made a huge mistake when they gave Satan credit for what God had done. According to Jesus, blasphemy against the Spirit is a sin that cannot be forgiven. It’s a bit of a confusing passage there; let’s not get caught in the weeds. Suffice it to say that the Pharisees are out of line, and they have totally missed the point.
Jesus tries to explain using examples of division. When there is a feud or difference of opinion that cannot be resolved, families, kingdoms, and businesses will crumble. There is no way that Satan would cast out his own demon helpers. He would be fighting against himself. Jesus’ power comes from the Holy Spirit. The strongest power there is.
Jesus says that the Kingdom of God has come by virtue of the fact that he is performing miracles by the Spirit of God. That statement had to truly mystify everyone who heard. It’s even a bit perplexing to us. Jesus will unpack that a little more in the readings to come.
Jesus closes this passage talking about fruit trees. Good trees can’t produce bad fruit and visa versa. If we are good people, our hearts and actions will reflect that. The same goes for those with evil hearts. I loved this verse, “For whatever is in your heart determines what you say.”
The passage closes with these words, “The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.” That tells me our words are important. I tend to be a talker. Sometimes I ramble on and on about nothing. Then, when I have something important to say, nobody is listening. There is power in our words. And when our judgment day comes, our words will save us or condemn us. I think we need to be focused on being good trees so that our fruit will be good.
Do you need a little pruning for your tree?
Let’s pray. Lord, there were some difficult themes in today’s reading. I hope that I reflected well and didn’t get too far off course. I really can’t imagine what the people hearing this directly from Jesus that day were thinking. I know how easily it can be for evil to infiltrate our hearts and minds. Help me stand strong today. Build me up as a strong tree that can withstand Satan’s attempts to lure me away. May every word that comes from my mouth be uplifting and helpful. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
