11/30 Matthew 12:31

¹ Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.

Jesus healed a man who was blind and mute. The people were asking one another if this might mean Jesus is the Son of David. That was a title of the Messiah they were expecting to come. The Pharisees answered that Jesus was casting out demons by the prince of demons. Jesus said that it was by the Spirit of God that He had performed the miracle and then spoke our verse for today.

There are many different interpretations for just what this means. The context is essential for understanding the expression. The Pharisees were attributing a work of the Holy Spirit to the demonic realm. The Spirit of God was revealing that Jesus is the Messiah by the liberation of the demon-possessed man. The Pharisees were telling the people the miracle was really an expression of evil. Not only were they calling light darkness but they were attempting to keep people from the light.

Remember that the Pharisees were very religious men. Jesus was not conforming to their religious forms. It appears from the context that we can be so proud of our religious expressions and positions that we can be blinded to the truth when it stares us in the face. To call the work of the Holy Spirit drawing people to Jesus an evil thing is blaspheming the Spirit. It shows a hardened heart toward God and a desire that others be hardened as well. Jesus followed up by saying that people could blaspheme Him and be forgiven. We might not understand His actions or may misinterpret His intent. However, when one speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will never be forgiven.

Prayer: LORD Jesus, help our hearts to always be sensitive to the Spirit and to recognize His work in the world. Keep us from religious form and pride that hardens us to the work of the Holy Spirit.