Read MATTHEW 12:22–32
Reasonable Faith, an organization led by philosophy professor William Lane Craig, “aims to provide in the public arena an intelligent, articulate, and uncompromising yet gracious Christian perspective on the most important issues concerning the truth of the Christian faith today.” Through scholarly articles, podcasts, debates, videos, and social media, this organization uses reason and logic to support and defend God’s truth.
When the Pharisees accused Him of performing miracles and driving out demons by the power of Satan, Jesus used reason and logic to refute their claim and instead prove that His power and authority were divine. To drive out demons in Satan’s name was an absurd idea. Why would a kingdom fight against itself? But if Jesus did these miracles with the power of a different and greater kingdom—God’s kingdom—shouldn’t they be responding very differently?
Sadly, the Pharisees’ hypocritical hearts were spiritually closed. They were grasping at straws, trying to find a way to ignore the signs and to avoid admitting that Jesus was the Messiah. As He said, because they were not for Him, they were against Him.
The significance of their accusation, and of Jesus’ identity, is shown by the fact that He cited the other two Persons of the Trinity in His response. Jesus had come in His Father’s name. It is His kingdom Jesus proclaimed and His power by which Jesus did miracles of healing. When He drove out demons, it was by the Holy Spirit. The Pharisees’ accusation was therefore against all three Persons of the Godhead—Father, Son, and Spirit. To call the Son’s work, done in the Spirit on behalf of the Father’s kingdom, satanic? That’s a sin worthy of damnation (vv. 31–32)!
APPLY THE WORD
Many today are pursuing their own priorities with no thought for God’s kingdom or following Jesus. They might not understand our choices to bring glory to God through the ways we use our time, money, or energy. When you are questioned on these issues, remember that standing with God is the safest place to be!
DAILY DEVOTIONS, NEWS AND INFORMATION 