Jesus has refuted the accusation that He had an unclean spirit. Now He deals with the accusers!
Mark emphasises the importance of the passage by quoting Jesus' actual words. Most of Jesus' words are translated to the Greek in the Gospels. Mark, probably writing to a Greek-speaking audience, uses the Aramaic and Hebrew sparingly. But here he begins with the Hebrew word "Amen" - we have "Assuredly" or "Verily" in English. Mark only quotes this word 15 times in his gospel, and each time Jesus is saying something of great importance. This is no exception.
Jesus has answered the superficial question adequately, but now goes on to the basis of the accusation and what it means for the accusers, for our salvation and for the whole Godhead. Once again our Lord, doesn't stop where prudence dictates but in his concern for his enemies (that includes us) He ploughs on... unearthing a deep, disturbing truth.
"Assuredly"... The stakes are high, if you get this wrong you will be condemned for all eternity. Note carefully, this is worse than hellfire, this is becoming so infamous that your sin will be talked about and judged harshly for all eternity. "You will become a byword", He warns them.
Why does Jesus bother to warn the scribes at all? The answer is in v.23, "He called them (the Jerusalem scribes) to Himself". He is, in a personal and concerned way, offering the same privileges the disciples have. They too, could become heralds of the good news, cast out their own demons and go on to help form the Christian church. Basically He wants them saved.
Their main problem, Jesus states, is "blasphemay against the Holy Spirit". Even as they accuse Him of having Beelzebub, they realise that Jesus is of God. If they continue to fight the Spirit's convictions, they will eventually move beyond God's reach, to a place where repentance and forgiveness are impossible.
"Assuredly ... all sins will be forgiven.... and whatever blasphemies they may utter". Now this is very good news! Jesus, as Forgiver of sins, promises broad forgiveness. Forgiveness is assured as long as we keep listening to the Spirit!
The third implication of this passage is about the nature of the Godhead. The Holy Spirit is definitely God, you can only blaspheme God, but Jesus is saying that the Spirit is already working on these scribes, even when Jesus is present. This negates the idea that the Spirit is simply "Jesus' influence". It also indicates that both Christ and the Spirit are concerned about our salvation. Both are working to bring us to forgiveness and healing. He loves us that's why He warns us.
Sunday 2 September 2007
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3 comments:
Hi Bruce, The trinity doctrine states that there are three co-equal co-eternal beings, so how can blasphemy against one be different to blasphemy against the othere two? 2 Cor. 3:17 "Now the Lord is that Spirit." It never says the Father is the Son.
Hi Bruce, The trinity doctrine states that there are three co-equal co-eternal beings, so how can blasphemy against one be different to blasphemy against the othere two? 2 Cor. 3:17 "Now the Lord is that Spirit." It does not say the Father is the Son
Thanks for the comment Geoff M.
Is God is co-eternal? Probably. At least all three were there "In the beginning" of our little world.
Co-equal? How very Gentile! Will God meekly be led by the nose into any of my little boxes! Mark shows Jesus as a surprising and awesome Person. "Co-equal" stifles Him.
Were Adam and Eve created co-equal? I hope not! They were created beautiful, wonderful, holy and "very good". Did God have our Western predilection to think in rigidly defined, absolutely logical, legalese? Not if He is anything like Jesus! He was just having a "very good" time and wanted to share it with a couple of sentient beings and their offspring.
"Offspring"... now there is quite a concept! What about Adam and Eve being "one flesh". God really was having a "good" time that Friday afternoon to come up such mind-boggling concepts.
I love what Moore says about these big doctrines
"Our problem is self-righteous self-justification (see Rev. 3:17). We unconsciously resist the Spirit's attempt to expose our imbalance, thinking it an enemy attack."
So how can blasphemy against the Spirit be greater than against the Others? Probably because the Spirit is God's way of keeping in contact with us. If we resist the Spirit, how else can we be saved? We have foolishly condemned ourselves.
I'm not sure where you are got that bit about "the Father is the Son" Please clarify.
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