Theme: If you are not with Christ, then you are against Christ! In v. 14, Jesus heals the man. He shows the people who He was, and that they needed a greater healing. However, in vv. 15-16, we see the skepticism. Some privately said it was done by Beelzebul, the prince of demons. Some wanted a sign from heaven. In application, we need to know the critics of Christianity. Three broad categories are the cynic, the deceived, and the ignorant. In vv. 17-22, Jesus speaks about the Kingdom. A kingdom divided can't stand; their thinking was folly. The Kingdom of God has come. In this illustration, Satan in the strong man; however, Jesus, the Stronger overtakes the Kingdom. In v. 23, Jesus gives the ultimatum: whoever is not with Him is against Him. We must follow Christ exclusively. Are you following Christ exclusively? Are you dedicated to following Him? How are you seeking to REACH people through the work of the gospel? |