Is Not This The Son of David? (Matt 12:14-30)
Matthew records the responses of Israel towards Jesus. Today’s sermon will be touching on two incidents in chapter 12, showing how the Pharisees led the people astray.
Incident I: The Man with the Withered Hand
Shepherds’ Response
The Pharisees were the religious leaders of Israel, who were supposed to be shepherds of the people of Israel. However, they responded to Jesus with hatred and wanted to destroy Him (v14). In Mark 3:6, it is stated that the Pharisees took council with Heriodians, a sect of Jewish people whom they hate, in their attempt to destroy Jesus. This echoes what is recorded in Ezekiel 34:4, showing that as leaders, the Pharisees do not care about their people.
True Shepherd’s Response
When Jesus found out about the Pharisees’ plot, He was submissive and withdrew himself (v15-16). This was because it was not the time for Jesus to have a direct confrontation with Israel. This was not the first or last time (ref: Matt 9:30, 16:20), but this submissiveness will not last forever and He would eventually have direct confrontation with them (20:29-21:1). This fulfils what is quoted from Isaiah 42:1-4, where it shows that the Messiah will come in a peaceful, quiet manner (v19) and be gentle and compassionate (v21) until it is time for judgement (v20). Matthew quotes Isaiah to reinforce that Jesus is the Messiah.
Incident II: The One Possessed with a Devil
Sheep’s Response
When the people of Israel saw Jesus performing the miracles, they wondered if He was the Messiah, the “Son of David” (v23). All the signs correlated with the prophecy of the Messiah as written in the Old Testament (ref: Isaiah 35:4-6). Despite their acknowledgement of Jesus’ power and authority, they fell short of a response of faith and submission.
Shepherd’s Response
The Pharisees pointed an angry and accusing finger at Jesus (v24), confusing the people. They did not refute His display of power, but did not point out that His signs correlated to the prophecies of the Messiah. Instead, they deserted their duty to lead the people by turning them away from the King of Israel, similar to the depiction in Ezekiel 34:2-3,6.
True Shepherd’s Response
Jesus pointed out that the Pharisees were
illogical – Satan would not cast out Satan (v25-26)
prejudiced – criticised Jesus but not their own people who also cast out devils (v27)
rebellious – if their arguments cannot stand, then it shows that the Kingdom is here but they are against Him (v28-30)
Our Response
“He that is not with me is against me” (v30). In 2018, where do we stand? Jesus has proclaimed that He is the Lord of Rest, a promise that still stands even after 2000 years.
How do you want to respond to this today?
Comments