The Lord of the Sabbath 1At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick the heads of grain and eat them. 2When the Pharisees saw this, they said to Him, “Look, Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath.” 3Jesus replied, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 4He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread,a which was not lawful for them to eat, but only for the priests. 5Or haven’t you read in the Law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple break the Sabbath and yet are innocent? 6But I tell you that One greater than the temple is here. 7If only you had known the meaning of ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’b you would not have condemned the innocent. 8For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” Jesus Heals on the Sabbath 9Moving on from there, Jesus entered their synagogue, 10and a man with a withered hand was there. In order to accuse Jesus, they asked Him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” 11He replied, “If one of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will he not take hold of it and lift it out? 12How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” 13Then Jesus said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out, and it was restored to full use, just like the other. 14But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus. God’s Chosen Servant 15Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. Large crowds followed Him, and He healed them all, 16warning them not to make Him known. 17This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: 18“Here is My Servant, whom I have chosen, My beloved, in whom My soul delights. I will put My Spirit on Him, and He will proclaim justice to the nations. 19He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear His voice in the streets. 20A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish, till He leads justice to victory. 21In His name the nations will put their hope.”c A House Divided 22Then a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute was brought to Jesus, and He healed the man so that he could speak and see. 23The crowds were astounded and asked, “Could this be the Son of David?” 24But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “Only by Beelzebul,d the prince of demons, does this man drive out demons.” 25Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. 26If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand? 27And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. 28But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. 29Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and steal his possessions, unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can plunder his house. 30He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters. The Unpardonable Sin 31Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the one to come. Good and Bad Fruit 33Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is known by its fruit. 34You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. 35The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure. 36But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. 37For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” The Sign of Jonah 38Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.” 39Jesus replied, “A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 41The men of Nineveh will stand at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now One greater than Jonah is here. 42The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here. An Unclean Spirit Returns 43When an unclean spirit comes out of a man, it passes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. 44Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ On its return, it finds the house vacant, swept clean, and put in order. 45Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and dwell there. And the final plight of that man is worse than the first. So will it be with this wicked generation.” Jesus’ Mother and Brothers 46While Jesus was still speaking to the crowds, His mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to Him. 47Someone told Him, “Look, Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to You.”e 48But Jesus replied, “Who is My mother, and who are My brothers?” 49Pointing to His disciples, He said, “Here are My mother and My brothers. 50For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.” Footnotes: 4 a Or the Bread of the Presence 7 b Hosea 6:6 21 c Isaiah 42:1–4 (see also LXX) 24 d WH Beezeboul; Vulgate Beelzebub; also in verse 27 47 e WH does not include verse 47. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  Matthew 12 Summary The Lord of the SabbathVerses 1–8 – Lord of the Sabbath Verses 9–14 – Healing the Withered Hand & Plotting Pharisees Verses 15–21 – Servant in Humility Verses 22–37 – Power over Demons & Warning about Words Verses 38–45 – Sign of Jonah & Warning of Empty House Verses 46–50 – True Family of Jesus Matthew 12 provides a profound exploration of Jesus' teachings and interactions, emphasizing His authority over Sabbath observance and His power to perform miracles. The chapter also presents the Pharisees' opposition and the significant prophecy about the sign of Jonah. Historical Setting Galilee and Judea under Roman occupation (c. AD 28-30) were filled with religious zeal. Pharisees emphasized strict Sabbath observance, oral traditions, and ritual purity. Synagogues served as community centers for Scripture reading. Matthew writes chiefly for Jewish readers, showing Jesus as the promised Messiah who fulfills and interprets the Law. Sabbath Controversies • Exodus 20:8-11 commands rest on the seventh day. • Pharisaic tradition counted plucking heads of grain as “reaping.” • Jesus appeals to Scripture and common-sense mercy, spotlighting that human need never violates God’s intent. • By saying He is “Lord of the Sabbath,” He claims authority greater than the command itself (compare Colossians 2:16-17). David and the Bread of the Presence • 1 Samuel 21:1-6: David, fleeing Saul, eats consecrated bread reserved for priests. • Jesus uses the account to argue that ceremonial law yields to life-preserving mercy. • The incident foreshadows Christ — the true King — supplying what His followers need. Jesus Greater than the Temple • “I tell you that something greater than the temple is here” (v6). • The temple symbolized God’s presence; Jesus embodies it (John 2:19-21). • This claim hints at the coming age when worship is centered on Christ rather than a building (John 4:21-24). Healing of the Withered Hand • Synagogue gatherings often invited visiting teachers to read or heal. • The question, “Is it lawful…?” shows legalistic thinking; Jesus replies through an everyday illustration (rescuing a sheep). • His miracle shows that doing good is always right (James 4:17). Isaiah 42 Fulfilled • Matthew cites Isaiah 42:1-4 almost verbatim. • Key traits: chosen Servant, Spirit-endowed, gentle with the weak (“a bruised reed He will not break”), global hope for Gentiles. • Echoes Jesus’ quiet withdrawal and healing ministry. Demonology in First-Century Judea • Demons seen as personal, malevolent spirits causing physical and spiritual oppression. • Exorcists used elaborate rituals; Jesus frees with a word — underscoring divine authority. • “Son of David” (v23) is royal-Messianic; crowd senses kingdom power at work (compare 2 Samuel 7:12-16). Divided Kingdom & Strong Man • Jesus’ logic: Satan casting out Satan would destroy his own agenda. • “But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you” (v28). • Image of binding a strong man (v29) pictures Jesus overpowering Satan to plunder his captives (Hebrews 2:14-15). Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit • Pharisees call the Spirit’s work “demonic,” a hardened, willful rejection. • Jesus warns such defiance “will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the one to come” (v32). • Forgiveness is always available to repentant hearts (1 John 1:9); this sin is the persistent refusal to recognize God’s testimony about Jesus. Fruit and Words • “For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks” (v34). • Good tree—good fruit; bad tree—bad fruit (see Psalm 1:3; Galatians 5:22-23). • Idle words reflect inner attitudes and will face judgment (v36-37; Romans 14:12). Sign of Jonah & Resurrection • Jonah 1:17: three days in the fish. • Jesus predicts three days and nights “in the heart of the earth” (v40) — foreshadowing the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. • Nineveh repented (Jonah 3); yet religious leaders resist greater light. • Queen of Sheba traveled to hear Solomon (1 Kings 10); a greater One stands before them. Unclean Spirit Returns • Cleansed house = a person or nation experiencing temporary reform without welcoming Christ. • Seven worse spirits signal escalating bondage if the heart remains empty (Ephesians 3:17). Redefining Family • Biological ties respected (Exodus 20:12) but secondary to obedience. • Faith community becomes the true household (Galatians 6:10; Hebrews 2:11). Archaeological Insights • First-century synagogues in Galilee (e.g., Magdala) reveal stone benches surrounding a central space — ideal for public healings. • Temple artifacts: a stone table discovered near Jerusalem resembles the “Table of Showbread,” connecting with Jesus’ David reference. • Ossuaries inscribed with “James son of Joseph brother of Jesus” attest to Jesus’ immediate family in the era Matthew describes. Applications for Today • Sabbath: prioritize mercy and rest in Christ rather than rule-keeping alone (Matthew 11:28). • Words: practice truthful, gracious speech; social media counts (Ephesians 4:29). • Spiritual vigilance: sweep the house clean, then invite the Spirit to dwell; avoid empty religiosity (2 Timothy 3:5). • Kingdom identity: value belonging to God’s family above every other allegiance (Philippians 3:20). Connections to Additional Scriptures Hosea 6:6For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. Mark 2:27-28 Then He told them, 'The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. Therefore, the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.' Luke 11:29-32 Jesus reiterates the sign of Jonah, emphasizing repentance and belief. John 1:12-13 But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God. Teaching Points Jesus as Lord of the SabbathJesus declares, For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath (Matthew 12:8), emphasizing His authority over religious traditions and the true purpose of the Sabbath. Mercy over Sacrifice Jesus quotes Hosea 6:6, saying, I desire mercy, not sacrifice (Matthew 12:7), teaching that God values compassion over ritualistic observance. Healing on the Sabbath Jesus heals a man with a withered hand, demonstrating that doing good and showing mercy is always appropriate, even on the Sabbath (Matthew 12:10-13). Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit Jesus warns about the unforgivable sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, highlighting the seriousness of attributing God's work to evil (Matthew 12:31-32). The Sign of Jonah Jesus speaks of His resurrection as the ultimate sign, comparing it to Jonah's three days in the belly of the fish (Matthew 12:39-40). True Family of Jesus Jesus redefines family as those who do the will of His Father, emphasizing spiritual kinship over biological ties (Matthew 12:49-50). Practical Applications Evaluate TraditionsReflect on personal and church traditions to ensure they align with the heart of God's Word rather than mere human customs. Prioritize Mercy Seek opportunities to show mercy and compassion in daily interactions, prioritizing love over legalism. Embrace the Sabbath Use the Sabbath as a time for rest and reflection, focusing on God's goodness and the opportunity to do good. Guard Your Words Be mindful of how you speak about the work of the Holy Spirit, ensuring reverence and respect for God's actions. Seek the Greater Sign Focus on the resurrection of Christ as the foundation of faith, understanding its significance in the Christian life. Redefine Family Cultivate relationships within the church community, recognizing fellow believers as spiritual family. People 1. JesusCentral figure in the chapter, performing miracles and teaching. He is referred to as "Lord of the Sabbath" (Matthew 12:8) and engages in discussions with the Pharisees. The name "Jesus" comes from the Greek "Ἰησοῦς" (Iēsous), which is derived from the Hebrew name "Yeshua," meaning "Yahweh is salvation." 2. Pharisees A group of Jewish religious leaders who challenge Jesus, particularly regarding Sabbath laws (Matthew 12:2, 14). The term "Pharisees" comes from the Greek "Φαρισαῖοι" (Pharisaioi), which is derived from the Hebrew "פרושים" (Perushim), meaning "separated ones." 3. David Mentioned by Jesus as an example of someone who ate the consecrated bread, which was not lawful for him to eat (Matthew 12:3-4). David is a significant figure in Jewish history, known as a king and a man after God's own heart. 4. Priests Referred to by Jesus in the context of performing work on the Sabbath in the temple (Matthew 12:5). The Greek word used is "ἱερεῖς" (hiereis), which corresponds to the Hebrew "כֹּהֲנִים" (kohanim). 5. Jonah Cited by Jesus as a sign to the generation seeking a sign, paralleling His own death and resurrection (Matthew 12:39-41). Jonah is a prophet known for being swallowed by a great fish. 6. Queen of the South Also known as the Queen of Sheba, she is mentioned by Jesus as someone who came to hear the wisdom of Solomon and will rise in judgment against the generation rejecting Jesus (Matthew 12:42). 7. Solomon Referenced by Jesus in comparison to His own wisdom, stating that "something greater than Solomon is here" (Matthew 12:42). Solomon was known for his wisdom and as the builder of the first temple in Jerusalem. 8. Beelzebul Mentioned in the context of accusations against Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons (Matthew 12:24, 27). The name "Beelzebul" is derived from a Philistine god, often associated with Satan. 9. Demon-Possessed Man A man who was blind and mute, healed by Jesus, leading to amazement among the people (Matthew 12:22). 10. Jesus' Mother and Brothers They are mentioned at the end of the chapter when they come to speak with Jesus, and He uses the opportunity to teach about spiritual kinship (Matthew 12:46-50). Places 1. GrainfieldsIn Matthew 12:1, Jesus and His disciples are described as walking through the grainfields on the Sabbath. The disciples began to pick heads of grain and eat them. The Greek term used here is "σπορίμων" (sporimōn), which refers to fields sown with grain. 2. Synagogue In Matthew 12:9, Jesus enters a synagogue, where He encounters a man with a withered hand. The synagogue serves as a place of worship and teaching for the Jewish community. The Greek word for synagogue is "συναγωγή" (synagōgē), meaning a gathering or assembly, particularly for religious purposes. 3. House In Matthew 12:46, while Jesus is speaking to the crowds, His mother and brothers stand outside, wanting to speak to Him. The term "house" here is translated from the Greek "οἰκία" (oikia), which can refer to a physical dwelling or household. Events 1. Disciples Pluck Grain on the SabbathThe disciples of Jesus pluck heads of grain to eat on the Sabbath, which the Pharisees criticize as unlawful. Jesus responds by referencing David eating the consecrated bread and emphasizes mercy over sacrifice (Matthew 12:1-8). 2. Healing on the Sabbath Jesus heals a man with a withered hand in the synagogue on the Sabbath. The Pharisees question Him about the lawfulness of healing on the Sabbath, and Jesus argues that it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath (Matthew 12:9-14). 3. God’s Chosen Servant Matthew quotes Isaiah to describe Jesus as God’s chosen servant, highlighting His mission to bring justice to the nations and His gentle and humble nature (Matthew 12:15-21). 4. Jesus and Beelzebul Jesus heals a demon-possessed man who is blind and mute. The Pharisees accuse Him of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons. Jesus refutes their claim by explaining that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand and speaks about the unforgivable sin against the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:22-32). 5. A Tree and Its Fruit Jesus teaches about the importance of good fruit, using the metaphor of a tree and its fruit to illustrate that a person’s words and actions reflect their heart. He warns that people will be judged by their words (Matthew 12:33-37). 6. The Sign of Jonah The Pharisees and teachers of the law ask Jesus for a sign. He responds by saying that no sign will be given except the sign of Jonah, referring to His future resurrection after three days in the grave, paralleling Jonah’s three days in the belly of the fish (Matthew 12:38-42). 7. Return of an Unclean Spirit Jesus describes how an unclean spirit, after leaving a person, may return with seven other spirits more wicked than itself, making the final condition of that person worse than before. This serves as a warning about spiritual complacency (Matthew 12:43-45). 8. Jesus’ Mother and Brothers While Jesus is speaking to the crowd, His mother and brothers arrive, seeking to speak with Him. Jesus uses this moment to teach that whoever does the will of His Father in heaven is His brother, sister, and mother, emphasizing spiritual kinship over biological ties (Matthew 12:46-50). Lessons from Matthew 12 1. The Lord of the Sabbath 2. Mercy Over Sacrifice 3. Healing on the Sabbath 4. The Unforgivable Sin 5. A Tree and Its Fruit 6. The Sign of Jonah 7. The Return of an Unclean Spirit 8. True Family 9. The Power of Words 10. The Heart of Worship Topics 1. Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath (Matthew 12:1-8)In this passage, Jesus and His disciples are criticized by the Pharisees for picking grain on the Sabbath. Jesus responds by referencing David's actions and the work of the priests, emphasizing that "the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath" (Matthew 12:8). The Greek term "κύριος" (kyrios) underscores His authority over the Sabbath. 2. Healing on the Sabbath (Matthew 12:9-14) Jesus heals a man with a withered hand in the synagogue, challenging the Pharisees' understanding of the Sabbath law. He argues that it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath, highlighting the principle of mercy over sacrifice. 3. God’s Chosen Servant (Matthew 12:15-21) This section quotes Isaiah, describing Jesus as the servant whom God has chosen, who will bring justice to the nations. The Greek word "παῖς" (pais) is used, meaning servant or child, indicating a special relationship with God. 4. A House Divided (Matthew 12:22-30) After Jesus heals a demon-possessed man, the Pharisees accuse Him of casting out demons by Beelzebul. Jesus refutes them by explaining that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand, asserting His power over evil. 5. The Unforgivable Sin (Matthew 12:31-32) Jesus warns about blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which will not be forgiven. The Greek term "βλασφημία" (blasphemia) refers to speaking against or slandering, emphasizing the gravity of attributing the Holy Spirit's work to evil. 6. A Tree and Its Fruit (Matthew 12:33-37) Jesus teaches that a tree is known by its fruit, using this metaphor to illustrate the importance of one's words and actions. The Greek word "καρπός" (karpos) for fruit signifies the visible outcome of one's inner nature. 7. The Sign of Jonah (Matthew 12:38-42) The Pharisees and teachers of the law demand a sign, and Jesus responds by pointing to the sign of Jonah, foreshadowing His death and resurrection. The Greek "σημεῖον" (semeion) means sign or miracle, indicating a divine act. 8. An Unclean Spirit Returns (Matthew 12:43-45) Jesus describes an unclean spirit leaving a person and returning with more spirits, making the final condition worse. This illustrates the danger of spiritual emptiness and the need for a transformed life. 9. Jesus’ Mother and Brothers (Matthew 12:46-50) When Jesus is told that His mother and brothers are outside, He redefines family as those who do the will of His Father in heaven. The Greek "ἀδελφός" (adelphos) for brother emphasizes spiritual kinship over biological ties. Themes 1. Lord of the SabbathJesus asserts His authority over the Sabbath, emphasizing mercy over ritual. He declares, "For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath" (Matthew 12:8). The Greek term "κύριος" (kyrios) underscores His divine authority. 2. Mercy over Sacrifice Jesus highlights the importance of mercy, quoting Hosea 6:6: "I desire mercy, not sacrifice" (Matthew 12:7). The Hebrew root "חֶסֶד" (chesed) for mercy emphasizes steadfast love and compassion. 3. Healing on the Sabbath Jesus heals a man with a withered hand, challenging legalistic interpretations of the Sabbath. He asks, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?" (Matthew 12:10), emphasizing the value of doing good. 4. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit Jesus warns against attributing the work of the Holy Spirit to evil, stating, "Blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven" (Matthew 12:31). The Greek "βλασφημία" (blasphemia) indicates a serious, deliberate offense. 5. A Tree and Its Fruit Jesus teaches that a person's words and actions reveal their true nature: "For the tree is known by its fruit" (Matthew 12:33). The metaphor underscores the connection between inner character and outward behavior. 6. The Sign of Jonah Jesus refers to Jonah's experience as a sign of His own death and resurrection: "For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish" (Matthew 12:40). This typology points to His messianic mission. 7. The Return of an Unclean Spirit Jesus warns about spiritual complacency, describing a spirit returning to a cleansed but empty house: "The final condition of that man is worse than the first" (Matthew 12:45). This illustrates the danger of not filling one's life with righteousness. 8. True Family of Jesus Jesus redefines familial bonds based on spiritual kinship: "Whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother" (Matthew 12:50). This emphasizes obedience to God as the basis for true relationship. Prayer Points Thanksgiving for Jesus' Authority Praise God for Jesus' authority over all things, including religious traditions. Heart of Mercy Wisdom in Speech Strength in Community Focus on the Resurrection Answering Tough Questions 1. Matthew 12:1–8: How can picking grain on the Sabbath be considered “blameless” when it appears to contradict strict Old Testament Sabbath laws? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Jesus' declaration of being the Lord of the Sabbath affect your understanding of Sabbath observance? 2. What lessons can you draw from the healing of the man with a withered hand? 3. How does the prophecy from Isaiah reinforce Jesus' messianic identity? 4. In the context of Jesus and Beelzebul, what do you understand by the unforgivable sin? 5. How does the sign of Jonah prophecy deepen your understanding of Jesus' mission? 6. What does the parable of the return of the unclean spirit teach about spiritual emptiness? 7. How do Jesus' actions in this chapter challenge traditional religious practices? 8. How would you respond to accusations like those the Pharisees leveled against Jesus? 9. How can Jesus' teachings in this chapter shape your interactions with people who have different religious views? 10. What are the practical implications of Jesus' teachings on the evidence of a good heart? 11. How can you ensure that your spiritual 'house' is not left unoccupied, as Jesus warned? 12. Why do you think Jesus referred to His death and resurrection as the sign of Jonah rather than perform another miracle? 13. How does Jesus' response to the Pharisees' demand for a sign inform your understanding of faith and skepticism? 14. In what ways can you practice the principle of valuing life over legalistic observance in your daily living? 15. How do the teachings of Jesus in this chapter apply to present-day societal and religious issues? 16. How does Jesus' example challenge the way you react to opposition or misunderstanding? 17. How do you reconcile the concept of an 'unforgivable sin' with the theme of God's forgiveness throughout the Bible? 18. How does Jesus' healing of the man with a withered hand encourage you in times of need? 19. What does the reference to the Ninevites and the Queen of Sheba say about the universality of God's judgment? 20. How does Jesus' confrontation with religious leaders challenge you to examine your understanding and practice of faith? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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