March 19, 2016 ~ Day 39
My
2016 Lenten Journey: Exploring the Gospels to discover what following Jesus and
becoming more like him would look like?
‘And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself” (John 12:32 NRSV).
Matthew 12:21-37 ~ More
controversies with the Pharisees—a standoff in which Jesus demonstrates some
convincing logic, then follows up with one of the most difficult and mysterious
sayings in the Gospels.
There are Pharisees connected with
virtually every religion. They are the ones that have it all figured out and
reduced to a mathematical formula: do this and don’t do that and you’ll “get it
right.” Rules and rituals equal justification.
Jesus starts with a different premise;
thus, his logic is different. Jesus doesn’t begin with rules, although he
affirmed “the law and the prophets” (they’re not the same as rules and
rituals). Jesus begins with a concept of righteousness that exceeds that of the
Pharisees.
It’s interesting that in the original
languages of both the Hebrew and Christians Scriptures, the same word is
translated “justice” and “righteousness.” Based on their scriptural roots,
those two words mean essentially the same; thus, a righteousness that exceeds
that of the Pharisees is a righteousness based upon justice, rather than on
rules and rituals. So said the prophets. So said Jesus.
In this passage, Jesus casts out a
demon, but the Pharisees, who already have judged him because he won’t cow-tow
to their rules and rituals, say he did it by the power of the prince of Demons.
Jesus response is incredulous: “Every kingdom divided against itself is
laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how
then will his kingdom stand?” Then he asks, “By whose power do
your exorcists cast out demons?”
What follows is that troubling saying about the “unpardonable
sin.” Theories abound as to what Jesus intended by this saying; but, they all
are speculation. The only qualification Jesus uses is that it is a sin “against the
Holy Spirit”. What distinguishes a sin against the Holy Spirit from any other
category of sin is left open. I will point out that Jesus did say that people
will be forgiven for “every sin and blasphemy” except this one. Every sin and blasphemy.
When in doubt, look at context: (2) the casting out
of a demon and a subsequent encounter with Pharisees who confront him with
poorly conceived, illogical accusations, (2) a discourse about a divided house
not standing and (3) any who are not for me are against me. I suggest that the
latter statement is tied to the previous discourse, implying that Jesus’ “house”
is not divided.
Perhaps, then [and like virtually every other
suggestion, this is speculation (but informed by my understanding of Scripture
and of Jesus)], the “unpardonable sin” relates to division within the “house”
of Jesus.
The conclusion of the passage seems crystal clear
by comparison: “A tree is known by its fruit.” Jesus doesn’t explain this
metaphor/parable, but, while I generally like to let a biblical writer speak
for himself, I can’t help thinking immediately of the “Fruits of the Spirit” listed
in Galatians: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control. If I’m not confident about the sin against the
Holy Spirit, I certainly am clear about what fruit I should bear.
Whoever has seen me has seen the
Father (John 14:9
NRSV)
‘And I, when I am lifted up from the
earth, will draw all people to myself” (John 12:32 NRSV).
That's the way it looks through the
flawed glass that is my world view.
Together in the Walk,
Jim
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