Tyndale Open Study NotesMatthew 12

Matthew closely connects the offer of rest Jesus gives (Matthew 11:28–30) with a discussion about the Sabbath. The rest Jesus offers liberates people from human traditions about the Sabbath (see Hebrews 4:1–11). The Pharisees rejected Jesus because they had a commitment to their tradition.

This exchange shows the Pharisees' lack of compassion as they placed a heavy burden on others (Matthew 11:29–30).

The Sabbath was the seventh day of the week. God intended it to be a day of complete rest according to Old Testament laws (Genesis 2:2–3; Exodus 20:8–11). Christ fulfills the Sabbath (compare Hebrews 4:1–11).

Sometimes it was right to suspend ceremonial laws (1 Samuel 21:1–6).

The Pharisees did not understand that God designed the Sabbath to benefit people. They made it a heavy burden instead.

Priests worked on the Sabbath (Leviticus 24:8–9; Numbers 28:9–10), and the Pharisees did not find this offensive. If the priests’ work for the temple on the Sabbath is allowed, then certainly Jesus can do the same because he is greater than the temple (see Matthew 4:23; 9:35; 11:2–6, 20–30).

The Pharisees misunderstood the meaning of the Sabbath. Their view went against Scripture because it ignored the greater principle of mercy.

Jesus is greater than King David, the priests, and the temple. He also rules over the Sabbath.

This second Sabbath controversy criticizes the Pharisees for prioritizing rules over people's needs (see Matthew 12:7, 11–12).

their synagogue: A separation was developing between Jesus and Judaism (also Matthew 4:23).

Is it lawful: Jewish teachers of the law said healing on the Sabbath was allowed only if someone’s life was in danger. Because the person’s life was not in danger, the Pharisees believed that healing was not allowed.

They rescued animals but ignored people, which was inconsistent.

This summary of the ministry of Jesus explains that Jesus is the Messiah, God's servant who will bring salvation to all nations (see Isaiah 42:1–4).

• This quote is similar to the story of the baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:13–17).

• Justice (or judgment): This can be good or bad. Here, it probably means something positive (12:20; compare 23:23).

Jesus does not add to people’s spiritual burdens. Instead, he gives them forgiveness with compassion and the sustenance (nourishment and strength) they need (see Matthew 11:28–30; 12:1–14).

The Pharisees, the teachers of religious law, and many people of his generation rejected the Messiah.

• People were amazed by the miracles Jesus performed (Mark 2:12; 6:51; Luke 2:47; 8:56; 24:22).

• Could this be: The question expected a negative answer. Jesus did not fit their idea of the Messiah, but his miracles made them wonder.

Beelzebul: See study note on Matthew 10:25.

Jesus said in essence, “If I drive out demons by the power of Satan, then Satan is fighting against his own kingdom. That would be foolish for him to do.”

your sons: Jesus forced them to think consistently. If Satan's power casts out demons, then the disciples of the Pharisees were just as guilty, since they too cast out demons (see Acts 19:13–16).

The Pharisees were confronted with the kingdom of God and chose to reject it (see Luke 17:20–21; 1 John 3:8). Through his miracles, Jesus showed the power of the kingdom in the present world. But the kingdom will reach its full completion when Christ comes again.

• This parable forced the Pharisees to answer a simple question. Can anyone drive out demons without first controlling Satan's powers and opposing him (see Isaiah 49:24–26; 53:12)?

• ties up the strong man: This points to how Jesus defeated Satan. He overcame him in the wilderness temptation (Matthew 4:1–11), continued to overcome him throughout his ministry (see Luke 10:17–20), and won the final victory at the cross (see Colossians 2:14–15).

The Pharisees accused Jesus of being under the influence of Satan. Jesus explained that he, as the Messiah, cast out demons through the power of the Holy Spirit. In this context, blasphemy against the Holy Spirit can only mean attributing the ministry and exorcisms of Jesus to Satan’s power.

God can forgive people who are confused about Jesus calling himself the "Son of Man." But, God will not forgive a person that says the Holy Spirit's work comes from Satan. Today, this is like completely rejecting the conviction of the Holy Spirit about Jesus. This refers to when an unbeliever ultimately rejects the good news about Jesus (see Hebrews 6:4–6; 1 John 5:16–21).

Jesus addressed the main issue. The Pharisees did not accept him or believe his work came from God because they were wicked (see 7:15–27).

• The careless word, in this context, was the claim that demons empowered Jesus.

• What a person says will either free or condemn them on the day of judgment. What people say shows the true state of their hearts.

See a sign: People expected the Messiah to perform amazing miracles. This expectation was probably inspired by stories about Moses (Exodus 4:1–9; see also Isaiah 7:11, 14; 38:7–8). They believed the Messiah would show these miracles on demand (see Matthew 16:1–4; Luke 23:8; John 2:18; 4:48; 6:30; 7:31; 9:16; 11:47; 1 Corinthians 1:22).

• To demand a sign shows a lack of faith.

• The sign of the prophet Jonah was his "resurrection" from the large fish after three days and nights. It also referred to his preaching (12:41; Luke 11:32). This was similar to the burial, resurrection, and preaching of Jesus. Jesus compared Jonah's experience to what he would experience. He was not predicting the exact timing of his death and resurrection.

• Heart of the earth is another way of saying "the grave."

One greater: Jesus is greater than the temple (Matthew 12:6), the prophet Jonah, and King Solomon. So, rejecting him brings more severe judgment on this "wicked and adulterous generation" (12:39).

The Queen of the South: see 1 Kings 10:1–13.

The Messiah came in victory over evil spirits. But instead of turning back to God, the nation as a whole rejected him. Jesus said that when an evil spirit is cast out, it may return if the person is not ready to resist it. In the same way, judgment would come on this evil generation because they rejected the Messiah (God’s chosen one).

People believed demons liked the dry desert (see Revelation 18:2; compare Isaiah 13:21; 34:14).

Those who are true members in the family of Jesus obey the will of God. They show this obedience by obeying the commands of Jesus (see Matthew 7:21). Obedience does not earn entrance into this family, but a person cannot be a member of this family if they do not obey him (see 3:15; 5:17–48; 6:10, 12; 7:13–27; 21:31).