In Mark 3:22 we are told certain scribes “came down from Jerusalem” to Capernaum (2:1). The scribes were not alone, Matthew 12:24, tells us the Pharisees were with them. Not being able to explain our Lord's successful ministry in casting out devils, they said, “He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils” (Mark 3:22; 3:10-11, 14-15). Beelzebub was the false god of the Ekronites; he was known as “the lord of the flies.” To the Jews, this heathen deity was another name for Satan – “the prince of the devils” (Mark 3:22).
1. THE VICIOUS ACCUSATION. The Bible teaches that the religious leaders hated Jesus because they were envious of Him. Mark 15:9-10; Mark 1:21-22.
2. OUR LORD'S RESPONSE. “How can Satan cast out Satan?” (3:23). Our Lord said to them in John 8:24, “I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.” Matthew 25:41, “Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.”
3. THE UNPARDONABLE SIN (3:28-30). Mark 3:29, “But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation.” Matthew 12:24-32; Luke 12:10; Acts 7:51-60; John 16:9.
• Bold rebellion against God and His Word (Ex. 5:1,2). • Continued indulgence in known sin (Rom.1:24, 26, 28). • Gradual hardening of the heart (cf. Prov. 29:1). • Persistence in unbelief (Luke 23:39-41).
The unpardonable sin is sinning against God's light. Our nation is now slipping into darkness. The problem has always been in the heart of man. Jer. 17:9; Matt.12:25a, cf. 12:34; Matt. 12:36,37.
John 1:8-10. |