We’ve reached that moment
when those close to Jesus – be it friends, associates, even some family members
– reached the conclusion “He is out of his mind.” [i] Even Jesus’ brother,
James, didn’t believe in what he was doing. Not until much later. Another story
for another time.
When you think about why
they were concerned, consider…
·
Jesus had been an
excellent carpenter; now he’s a wandering preacher/healer;· Jesus had a paying job; now he’s playing “Occupy Israel” for no pay;
· Jesus had been safe back at home; now he’s ruffling feathers, taking on the big boys;
· Jesus had been surrounded by his circle of respectable family and friends; now he’s keeping constant company with a bunch of low-life, out-of-work folks.
Is it any wonder they
thought Jesus needed an intervention?
Jesus didn’t let their
concerns stand in his way… or the accusations being thrown about by those
opposing him – in this case, religious scholars (Pharisees). To discredit Jesus
as being aligned with Satan would possibly bring about his downfall. That was
their hope.
Did You Know…?
Beelzebul (or Ba’al-Zibbul)
was a derogatory name for “the Adversary” – a name for Satan. It was derived
from the Canaanite high god Baal – “Baal, the prince.” [ii]
Of course, Jesus scoffed
at the name-calling and replied to those who would listen to use rational
thinking. Why would he bear good fruit for sinister reasons? Nevertheless, as
Beverly from the study group mentioned, “You can’t change the status quo
without people (those who have been in control) starting to scream.”
Within Jesus’ retort
though is something which can be seen as extremely judgmental and with finality. It’s all in the
interpretation, and for those who see life in only black-and-white terms, it’ll
have only one meaning.
“Truly, I tell you, people
can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, but whoever
blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of
an eternal sin.” [iii]
Never be forgiven; eternal sin.
God isn’t big enough to
take a little name-calling? God actually reaches a point where forgiveness isn’t
available? On the surface, that could be the interpreted meaning, but let’s dig
further.
In Jewish thought, the
Holy Spirit enabled persons to recognize God’s truth when it entered their
lives. If a person refused the guidance of God’s Spirit often enough, they
became (in the end) incapable of recognizing the truth when it was in front of
them to be seen. [iv]
Okay. That brings a bit
more clarity, but still… would such a sin against the Holy Spirit have no
forgiveness whatsoever? Especially from God?
The translation of these
verses in The Message comes at it in a different way, and in my opinion, it’s
more in line with what the author, John Mark, intended.
“There’s nothing done or
said that can’t be forgiven. But if you persist in your slanders against God’s
Holy Spirit, you are repudiating the very One who forgives, sawing off the
branch on which you’re sitting, severing by your own perversity all connection
with the One who forgives.” [v]
In this instance, the
person who deliberately (some would say “maliciously”) rejects the One who
forgives… who affirms life… they’ve made the choice. Not God. They are distancing themselves for the Creator. It’s a warning
Jesus gives – to not make that choice. It’s also a direction to everyone to
carefully watch what is said when choosing to address others, as well as God.
I’ll leave you with
something else to ponder.
Does God, our Creator,
pursue everyone? Does God give up on anyone? For those who have rejected
God (openly or otherwise) and physically died, is that the end of our Creator’s
pursuit? Is that the absolute breakpoint, end-all-that-ends-all? One (earthly
life) and done?
Call me “crazy” but I
believe there’s more to God than meets the eye and is on the page. To limit God
is to limit life and all that is within our being.
NEXT…
Who really is my sister,
brother and mother?[i] MARK 3:21b, NIV
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