Matthew Twelve

Chapter Twelve

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=47&chapter=12&version=31
1 - 14 Jesus and the Sabbath

Jesus upsets the Pharisees for going through the grainfields and healing a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath. My notes state that these two stories, "show that Jesus, in contrast to the Pharisees, stresses human need over sabbath observance."

15 -21 God's Chosen Servant

Jesus fulfills the prophesy of Isaiah that states he will be God's chosen servant.

22 - 32 Jesus and Beelzebul

Jesus heals a demoniac who is blind and mute. The Pharisees claim that Jesus is Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons. Jesus says that if he were the ruler of the demons and he cast out Satan, how could that kingdom stand? He states that whoever speaks agains the Son of Man will be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.

33 - 37 A Tree and Its Fruit

Jesus: "Either make the tree good, and its fruit good; or make the tree bad, and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit."

38 - 42 The Sign of Jonah

The Pharisees ask for a sign and Jesus refers to the prophet Jonah who was in the belly of the whale for three days and three nights (this could be foreshadowing of his death and resurrection).

43 - 45 The Return of the Unclean spirit

See question

46 - 50 The True Kindred of Jesus

Someone says "Look, your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you." Jesus replies, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" And pointing to his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother." (He doesn't reject them - he's just making a point)

Question: What does 43 - 45 say about the nature of sin?