75-76. Religious Leaders and Jesus' True Identity

BACKGROUND AND LINKS

75. Religious leaders ask Jesus for a miracle: Matthew 12:38-45

Asking for a sign was an indication of unbelief (1 Corinthians 1:22). I would think that they would have had enough proof by now after all the miracles, healing, and deliverance that Jesus had performed. 

Jesus responded to their challenge by talking about Jonah, who was a Jewish prophet sent to Gentiles, and the Queen of Sheba who was a Gentile who came to visit Solomon, a Jew (2 Chronicles 9:1-12). Jonah was to preach repentance to the people of Nineveh. Just as Jonah experienced death, burial, and resurrection in the belly of a whale on his way to deliver that message, Jesus was predicting that He would experience death, burial, and resurrection also. Jesus was saying that His kingdom would be greater than Solomon's. Gentile Nineveh repented, and the Queen of Sheba traveled a long way to hear the wisdom of Solomon, but they could not even see that someone great was right there under their noses!

Then, Jesus revealed the hearts of the religious leaders by connecting the story about the unclean spirit going out of a man with their accusation that His power was from Satan (12:24-29). Israel no longer had the sin of idolatry that plagued them throughout the Old Testament, but they were still not filled with a true spiritual life that only Jesus could give. Rejecting Him meant certain spiritual destruction. 

76. Jesus describes his true family: Matthew 12:46-50, Mark 3:31-35, Luke 8:19-21

Jesus asserts the importance of spiritual family. Even Jesus' own family (John 7:1-5) and hometown friends (Mark 3:21) did not understand His ministry. He emphasized the importance of the family of God. As one who comes from a family where God was not the center, my spiritual family has meant so much to me!

REFLECTION/APPLICATION

Regarding Matthew 12:43-45:

There is a personal application. It is not enough to clean house; we must also invite in the right tenant. The Pharisees were proud of their “clean houses,” but their hearts were empty! Mere religion, or reformation, will not save. There must be regeneration, the receiving of Christ into the heart (see Rev. 3:20). We cannot be neutral about Jesus Christ. (The Bible Exposition Commentary, Mt 12:38)

Have you invited in the right tenant? Here is an excellent classic essay (allegory) that relates to this subject:

My Heart Christ's Home 

PRAYER

Jesus, make Yourself at home in our hearts. Amen.