What is the meaning of Matthew 12:28? But if I drive out demons - Jesus frames a logical test for His critics, pointing to literal, visible exorcisms they have just witnessed (Matthew 12:24-27). - The Gospels document these events repeatedly: “He healed many … and drove out many demons” (Mark 1:34); “Come out of him!” (Luke 4:35). - Scripture treats demonic powers as real enemies; our struggle is “against the spiritual forces of evil” (Ephesians 6:12). - Acts affirms that Jesus “healed all who were oppressed by the devil, because God was with Him” (Acts 10:38). The question is not whether the expulsions happened, but what they reveal about Jesus. by the Spirit of God - At His baptism “the Spirit of God” descended on Him (Matthew 3:16); every miracle flows from that anointing. - Jesus read Isaiah’s prophecy of Himself: “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me” (Luke 4:18). Driving out demons fulfills that mission. - Father, Son, and Spirit act in perfect unity, leaving no room for the charge that Satan empowers Him. - The same Spirit equips believers: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you” (Acts 1:8); “the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus … dwells in you” (Romans 8:11). Rejecting these works equals resisting God’s own Spirit. then the kingdom of God - Jesus had already proclaimed, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near” (Matthew 4:17). Now He declares it present. - A kingdom exists where its King reigns; every exorcism is the King’s authority displacing darkness. “He has rescued us … and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son” (Colossians 1:13). - The Pharisees expected a future political takeover, but Jesus says the kingdom is “in your midst” (Luke 17:21). - Hebrews 2:8 promises everything will be placed under Christ; demon evictions are advance evidence. has come upon you - Luke’s parallel says “has come upon you” (Luke 11:20), underscoring immediate arrival. - Messianic signs—“The blind receive sight … the dead are raised” (Matthew 11:5)—show the same present reality. - Yet the consummation lies ahead: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord” (Revelation 11:15). The kingdom is both now and not-yet. - The phrase carries urgency: welcome the King or find yourself opposing Him. “The time is fulfilled … Repent and believe the gospel!” (Mark 1:15). summary Matthew 12:28 teaches that Jesus’ literal expulsion of demons, accomplished by the Spirit, proves the kingdom’s present arrival. Where the Spirit drives out evil, the King’s reign is active. Recognizing that reality brings freedom and citizenship in God’s kingdom; denying it means resisting the very Spirit and rule we most need. |
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