The Spread of the Kingdom is Hidden vv. 31–35
The Growth of the Kingdom is Opposed vv. 38–39
The End of the Kingdom is Blessing vv. 41–43

Consider the Parable vv. 1–9
Consider the Purpose vv. 10–17
Consider the Explanation vv. 18–23

We listen in as Jesus clarifies who belongs to His household. We see the importance of family, the priority of Jesus, and the household of faith.

Addressing the Pharisees’ demand for a sign from heaven, Jesus rebukes their disingenuous request and suppression of the truth. He then uses the parable of an unclean spirit leaving a person and eventually returning with seven other spirits, to remind His audience that they will indeed reap what they sow.

Christ has come and He’s plundering Satan’s house! In recognizing this reality, we consider what Matthew 12:22–37 has to say about the urgency of recognizing Christ’s identity and the insidious nature of opposition to Him.

This week we consider the great hope Christ represents to the Gentiles under three headings.

Jesus the Gentle Healer
Jesus the Suffering Servant
Jesus the Hope of the World

Matthew 12:1–14 presents a stark contrast between the rigid legalism of the Pharisees and true Sabbath-keeping.
Jesus, however, reframes the Sabbath. He is the Lord of the Sabbath, and His disciples are free to act in mercy and do the necessities, even on the Sabbath. This reframing is a far cry from the self-righteous legalism of the Pharisees, who have turned the Sabbath into a burden rather than a blessing.
Jesus, invites us to rest in Him, the ultimate Sabbath rest.

We consider our passage and are confronted with the wisdom of the Father, and the dominion of Christ. In gracious lordship, we find peace.

In Matthew 19:20–24, we are struck by the urgency of repentance. The Lord’s wrath is real and we must not confuse His patience with dismissal.