Mark 3:20-34
In Mark 3:22-30, we see that a group of Scribes have made a 90 miles trek to confront Jesus and call Him “possessed by Beelzebul”. They were accusing Him that His miracles came from demonic activity. 2 Kings 1 tells us that Beezebul was a horrible Canaanite god. This name became a code name for Satan and was a harsh lie and insult to Jesus.
Jesus responded by sharing 2 parables that all have the same outcome. Remember, a parable is used to compare or contrast two things. He begins by saying, “How can Satan cast out Satan?” This is in reference to Jesus casting out demonic spirits as a part of His ministry.
Parable 1:
Verse 24 – IF a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.
Verse 25 – And IF a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.
Verse 26 – And IF Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand but is coming to an end.
He is saying that anything divided against itself won’t stand, but will come to destruction, so how could he be acting on behalf of Satan?
Parable 2:
BUT no one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. Then indeed he may plunder his house.
Jesus’ mission is to confront and overpower (not cooperate with) Satan and to deliver those enslaved by him. Jesus is the STRONGER MAN!
Jesus ends that conversation by saying, “Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the children of man, and whatever blasphemies they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin.
Blaspheme is the strongest expression of personal defamation. We all have blasphemed someone or something because we are all sinners. This word from Jesus is often referred to as “the unpardonable sin”, and has been the cause of great angst among believers. This warning does not refer to a single action, but rather to a mindful, willful, defiant attitude of antagonism toward the work of God’s Spirit.
The only unpardonable sin today is that of continued disbelief. There is no pardon for a person who dies in his rejection of Christ. If you reject the means of forgiveness, there will be no forgiveness. Thankfully, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (I John 1:9).
But why the Holy Spirit and not God or Jesus?
“The Holy Spirit will convict the world of sin, and righteousness and judgement of sin, because they don’t believe in me.” The role of the Holy Spirit is to convince people that they need Jesus Christ.
If you die without faith in Jesus Christ there is no forgiveness, and there is no second chance. This is more than just the sin of unbelief, but also a deliberate refusal of the work and ministry of the Holy Spirit.
Discuss as a Family:
- Our culture is becoming more hostile towards Christians. Read Matthew 10:24-28. How does this encourage your faith. How will you look different to the world?
- Where has the enemy taunted you lately? Where is he leading you? Speak Jesus in that situation and remember that he is the “stronger man”!
- Before this message, what was your understanding of “blaspheme of the Holy Spirit”? What did you learn about blaspheming the Holy Spirit? What is the difference between carelessness and a calloused attitude? Why can this be an encouragement to you?
