Matthew 12
BSB1 At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick the heads of grain and eat them. 2 When the Pharisees saw this, they said to Him, “Look, Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath." 3 Jesus replied, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 4 He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread, which was not lawful for them to eat, but only for the priests. 5 Or haven’t you read in the Law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple break the Sabbath and yet are innocent? 6 But I tell you that something greater than the temple is here. 7 If only you had known the meaning of ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent. 8 For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath." 9 Moving on from there, Jesus entered their synagogue, 10 and a man with a withered hand was there. In order to accuse Jesus, they asked Him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?" 11 He replied, “If one of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will he not take hold of it and lift it out? 12 How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath." 13 Then Jesus said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out, and it was restored to full use, just like the other. 14 But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus. 15 Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. Large crowds followed Him, and He healed them all, 16 warning them not to make Him known. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: 18 “Here is My Servant, whom I have chosen, My beloved, in whom My soul delights. I will put My Spirit on Him, and He will proclaim justice to the nations. 19 He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear His voice in the streets. 20 A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish, till He leads justice to victory. 21 In His name the nations will put their hope." 22 Then a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute was brought to Jesus, and He healed the man so that he could speak and see. 23 The crowds were astounded and asked, “Could this be the Son of David?" 24 But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “Only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, does this man drive out demons." 25 Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. 26 If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand? 27 And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. 28 But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. 29 Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and steal his possessions, unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can plunder his house. 30 He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters. 31 Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32 Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the one to come. 33 Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. 34 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. 35 The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure. 36 But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. 37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." 38 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You." 39 Jesus replied, “A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40 For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 41 The men of Nineveh will stand at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now One greater than Jonah is here. 42 The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here. 43 When an unclean spirit comes out of a man, it passes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. 44 Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ On its return, it finds the house vacant, swept clean, and put in order. 45 Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and dwell there; and the final plight of that man is worse than the first. So will it be with this wicked generation." 46 While Jesus was still speaking to the crowds, His mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to Him. 47 Someone told Him, “Look, Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to You." 48 But Jesus replied, “Who is My mother, and who are My brothers?" 49 Pointing to His disciples, He said, “Here are My mother and My brothers. 50 For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother."
Study Notes — Matthew 12
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Matthew 12
- Themes from Matthew 12
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Matthew 12
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Matthew 12 begins with Jesus and His disciples picking grain on the Sabbath, which sparks a controversy with the Pharisees (Matthew 12:1-8). Jesus then heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, further antagonizing the Pharisees (Matthew 12:9-14). The chapter also includes Jesus' famous statement that He is the Lord of the Sabbath (Matthew 12:8), as well as a passage where Jesus is accused of being possessed by Beelzebub (Matthew 12:22-32). Additionally, Jesus teaches about the unpardonable sin (Matthew 12:31-32) and the importance of producing good fruit (Matthew 12:33-37). The chapter concludes with Jesus' statement that a tree is known by its fruit (Matthew 12:33), emphasizing the importance of true faith and obedience.
Context for the Chapter
Matthew 12 is situated within the larger narrative of Jesus' ministry in Galilee, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. This chapter follows Jesus' teachings on the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 10-11) and precedes His teachings on the church and discipleship (Matthew 13-18). The chapter also reflects the escalating conflict between Jesus and the Pharisees, which will ultimately lead to Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. In the broader biblical narrative, Matthew 12 is part of the story of God's redemption of humanity, highlighting Jesus' role as the fulfillment of the Old Testament and the bringer of a new covenant.
Heart Application
As we reflect on Matthew 12, we are called to examine our own hearts and lives, asking whether we are producing good fruit (Matthew 12:33-37) or opposing Jesus like the Pharisees. We are also reminded of the importance of true faith and obedience, as Jesus teaches about the unpardonable sin (Matthew 12:31-32) and the need to follow Him wholeheartedly.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Matthew 12 is about Jesus' authority and the Pharisees' opposition. Jesus teaches that He is the Lord of the Sabbath (Matthew 12:8) and that true faith is necessary to produce good fruit (Matthew 12:33-37). The chapter also highlights the importance of obedience and the dangers of opposing God's will and plan. As we reflect on this chapter, we are called to examine our own hearts and lives, asking whether we are following Jesus wholeheartedly.
Voices from the Church
“The Sabbath is a day for rest and healing, not just a set of rules to follow. As Jesus teaches, the Sabbath is a day to remember God's creation and redemption, and to trust in His goodness and provision.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The Pharisees' opposition to Jesus reveals their hardness of heart and lack of faith. As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of true faith and obedience, and the dangers of opposing God's will and plan.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Jesus and the Sabbath (Matthew 12:1-8) — Jesus and His disciples pick grain on the Sabbath, sparking a controversy with the Pharisees. Jesus teaches that the Sabbath is a day for rest and healing, not just a set of rules to follow.
- Jesus Heals on the Sabbath (Matthew 12:9-14) — Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, further antagonizing the Pharisees. Jesus teaches that it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath, and that the Sabbath is a day to remember God's creation and redemption.
- The Pharisees' Opposition (Matthew 12:22-32) — The Pharisees accuse Jesus of being possessed by Beelzebub, revealing their hardness of heart and lack of faith. Jesus teaches about the unpardonable sin and the importance of true faith and obedience.
- The Importance of True Faith (Matthew 12:33-37) — Jesus teaches about the importance of producing good fruit, emphasizing the need for true faith and obedience. Jesus also teaches that a tree is known by its fruit, highlighting the importance of living a life that reflects God's character and will.
- Conclusion (Matthew 12:38-42) — The chapter concludes with Jesus' statement that a tree is known by its fruit, emphasizing the importance of true faith and obedience. Jesus also teaches about the sign of Jonah, highlighting the importance of repentance and faith in Him.
Core Doctrines
- The Authority of Jesus
- Matthew 12 teaches about Jesus' divine authority, as He claims to be the Lord of the Sabbath (Matthew 12:8) and demonstrates His power and wisdom through various encounters.
- The Importance of True Faith
- This chapter highlights the importance of true faith, as Jesus teaches about the unpardonable sin (Matthew 12:31-32) and the need to produce good fruit (Matthew 12:33-37).
- The Sabbath
- Matthew 12 teaches about the Sabbath as a day for rest and healing, not just a set of rules to follow. Jesus emphasizes the importance of remembering God's creation and redemption, and trusting in His goodness and provision.
- The Opposition to Jesus
- The chapter reveals the Pharisees' increasing opposition to Jesus, highlighting their hardness of heart and lack of faith. This opposition ultimately leads to Jesus' statement that a tree is known by its fruit (Matthew 12:33), emphasizing the importance of true faith and obedience.
Lessons from Matthew 12
- The Importance of True Faith — Matthew 12 teaches about the importance of true faith, as Jesus emphasizes the need to produce good fruit (Matthew 12:33-37) and warns about the dangers of opposing God's will and plan.
- The Authority of Jesus — This chapter highlights Jesus' divine authority, as He claims to be the Lord of the Sabbath (Matthew 12:8) and demonstrates His power and wisdom through various encounters.
- The Sabbath as a Day for Rest and Healing — Matthew 12 teaches about the Sabbath as a day for rest and healing, not just a set of rules to follow. Jesus emphasizes the importance of remembering God's creation and redemption, and trusting in His goodness and provision.
- The Dangers of Opposing God's Will and Plan — The chapter reveals the dangers of opposing God's will and plan, as the Pharisees' hardness of heart and lack of faith ultimately lead to their condemnation.
- The Importance of Living a Life that Reflects God's Character and Will — Jesus' statement that a tree is known by its fruit (Matthew 12:33) emphasizes the importance of living a life that reflects God's character and will, and producing good fruit that honors Him.
Themes from Matthew 12
- The Authority of Jesus — Matthew 12 teaches about Jesus' divine authority, as He claims to be the Lord of the Sabbath (Matthew 12:8) and demonstrates His power and wisdom through various encounters.
- The Importance of True Faith — This chapter highlights the importance of true faith, as Jesus emphasizes the need to produce good fruit (Matthew 12:33-37) and warns about the dangers of opposing God's will and plan.
- The Sabbath as a Day for Rest and Healing — Matthew 12 teaches about the Sabbath as a day for rest and healing, not just a set of rules to follow. Jesus emphasizes the importance of remembering God's creation and redemption, and trusting in His goodness and provision.
- The Dangers of Opposing God's Will and Plan — The chapter reveals the dangers of opposing God's will and plan, as the Pharisees' hardness of heart and lack of faith ultimately lead to their condemnation.
- The Importance of Living a Life that Reflects God's Character and Will — Jesus' statement that a tree is known by its fruit (Matthew 12:33) emphasizes the importance of living a life that reflects God's character and will, and producing good fruit that honors Him.
Questions for Meditation
- What does Jesus mean by saying that He is the Lord of the Sabbath (Matthew 12:8)?
- How do the Pharisees' actions in this chapter reveal their hardness of heart and lack of faith?
- What does Jesus teach about the importance of true faith and obedience in this chapter?
- How does Jesus' statement that a tree is known by its fruit (Matthew 12:33) relate to the rest of the chapter?
- What are some ways that you can apply the teachings of Matthew 12 to your own life and faith?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Jesus and the Sabbath (Matthew 12:1-8)
| 12:1 | Jesus and His disciples pick grain on the Sabbath, sparking a controversy with the Pharisees. |
| 12:2 | The Pharisees accuse Jesus of breaking the Sabbath, revealing their hardness of heart and lack of faith. |
| 12:3-4 | Jesus responds by citing the example of David and the priests who served in the temple, emphasizing the importance of remembering God's creation and redemption. |
| 12:5-6 | Jesus teaches that the Sabbath is a day for rest and healing, not just a set of rules to follow. He emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's goodness and provision. |
| 12:7-8 | Jesus claims to be the Lord of the Sabbath, highlighting His divine authority and power. |
2. Jesus Heals on the Sabbath (Matthew 12:9-14)
| 12:9 | Jesus enters a synagogue and sees a man with a withered hand, whom He heals on the Sabbath. |
| 12:10 | The Pharisees are outraged and begin to plot against Jesus, revealing their hardness of heart and lack of faith. |
| 12:11-12 | Jesus responds by asking whether it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath, emphasizing the importance of remembering God's creation and redemption. |
| 12:13-14 | Jesus heals the man's hand, demonstrating His power and wisdom. |
3. The Pharisees' Opposition (Matthew 12:22-32)
| 12:22 | A demon-possessed man is brought to Jesus, whom He heals, revealing His divine authority and power. |
| 12:23 | The crowd is amazed and begins to wonder if Jesus is the Son of David, highlighting the importance of true faith and obedience. |
| 12:24 | The Pharisees accuse Jesus of being possessed by Beelzebub, revealing their hardness of heart and lack of faith. |
| 12:25-26 | Jesus responds by teaching about the kingdom of Satan and the importance of true faith and obedience. |
| 12:27-28 | Jesus emphasizes the importance of living a life that reflects God's character and will, and producing good fruit that honors Him. |
| 12:29-30 | Jesus teaches about the unpardonable sin, warning about the dangers of opposing God's will and plan. |
| 12:31-32 | Jesus emphasizes the importance of true faith and obedience, highlighting the need to produce good fruit that honors God. |
4. The Importance of True Faith (Matthew 12:33-37)
| 12:33 | Jesus teaches that a tree is known by its fruit, emphasizing the importance of living a life that reflects God's character and will. |
| 12:34 | Jesus responds to the Pharisees' question about a sign, emphasizing the importance of remembering God's creation and redemption. |
| 12:35-36 | Jesus teaches about the importance of true faith and obedience, highlighting the need to produce good fruit that honors God. |
| 12:37 | Jesus emphasizes the importance of living a life that reflects God's character and will, and producing good fruit that honors Him. |
5. Conclusion (Matthew 12:38-42)
| 12:38 | The Pharisees ask Jesus for a sign, revealing their hardness of heart and lack of faith. |
| 12:39 | Jesus responds by teaching about the sign of Jonah, emphasizing the importance of repentance and faith in Him. |
| 12:40 | Jesus teaches about the importance of true faith and obedience, highlighting the need to produce good fruit that honors God. |
| 12:41-42 | Jesus concludes by emphasizing the importance of living a life that reflects God's character and will, and producing good fruit that honors Him. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Jesus mean by saying that He is the Lord of the Sabbath?
Jesus means that He has divine authority and power, and that the Sabbath is a day for rest and healing, not just a set of rules to follow (Matthew 12:8).
Why do the Pharisees oppose Jesus in this chapter?
The Pharisees oppose Jesus because they are hardened in their hearts and lack faith, and they are threatened by Jesus' teachings and authority (Matthew 12:22-32).
What is the unpardonable sin that Jesus teaches about in this chapter?
The unpardonable sin is the sin of opposing God's will and plan, and attributing Jesus' works to Satan (Matthew 12:31-32).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 12:1 → Mark 2:23-28 | This event is also recorded in Mark 2:23-28, where Jesus teaches about the Sabbath and the importance of remembering God's creation and redemption. |
| 2 | Matthew 12:8 → John 1:1 | Jesus' statement that He is the Lord of the Sabbath is connected to His role as the creator and sustainer of the universe, as taught in John 1:1. |
| 3 | Matthew 12:22 → Luke 11:14-23 | This event is also recorded in Luke 11:14-23, where Jesus teaches about the kingdom of Satan and the importance of true faith and obedience. |
| 4 | Matthew 12:31 → Mark 3:28-30 | Jesus teaches about the unpardonable sin in Mark 3:28-30, warning about the dangers of opposing God's will and plan. |
| 5 | Matthew 12:33 → Luke 6:43-45 | Jesus teaches about the importance of producing good fruit in Luke 6:43-45, emphasizing the need to live a life that reflects God's character and will. |
| 6 | Matthew 12:38 → 1 Corinthians 1:22-24 | The Pharisees' request for a sign is connected to the idea that Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, as taught in 1 Corinthians 1:22-24. |
| 7 | Matthew 12:40 → Luke 11:29-32 | Jesus teaches about the sign of Jonah in Matthew 16:4 and Luke 11:29-32, emphasizing the importance of repentance and faith in Him. |
| 8 | Matthew 12:41 → Hebrews 3:7-11 | The idea of hardening one's heart is connected to the warning in Hebrews 3:7-11, where believers are encouraged to remain faithful and obedient to God. |
| 9 | Matthew 12:42 → 1 Kings 10:1-13 | The queen of the South is mentioned in 1 Kings 10:1-13, where she comes to visit Solomon and is impressed by his wisdom and wealth. |
| 10 | Matthew 12:1-8 → Exodus 20:8-11 | The Sabbath is first mentioned in Exodus 20:8-11, where God commands the Israelites to remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. |
Sermons on Matthew 12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Deliverance to the Captives by Smith Wigglesworth | In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal experience of encountering a man who was distressed and believed he had committed the unpardonable sin. Through the guidance of the H |
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A Warning to an Evil Generation by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that Jesus came to fulfill specific purposes on earth. These purposes include saving sinners, opening prison doors, giving sight to the blin |
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Why You Must Know God in Person by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the comforting presence of God in times of darkness and despair. They share personal experiences of feeling hopeless and burdened, but also |
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"Hitler and Herod at the Judgment" by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon delves into the concept of accountability before Jesus Christ, exploring the idea of various historical figures like Pharaoh, Herod the Great, and Hitler having to answ |
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(The Law of the Holy Spirit) Jesus Stayed Away Sin by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of moving beyond the basic teachings of Christianity and pursuing a deeper level of spiritual maturity. He uses the analogy of |
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Tame Your Tongue by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of taming one's tongue and the dangers of speaking evil. He compares the tongue to a treasure that can bring forth either goo |
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Beatitudes/clothed in Christ 2 by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. He highlights the need for believers to be empowered by the Holy Spirit and t |
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Judgement Seat of Believers by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon transcript, the preacher describes a dream of a great judgment morning at a camp, where the nations gather before the white throne for judgment. The preacher emphasi |
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A Greater Than Solomon Is Here by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of hearing and understanding the word of God. He refers to the parable of the sower in Mark 4, where Jesus teaches the multit |
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(1 Corinthians) ch.1:25-2:16 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not relying on human wisdom or cleverness when preaching the word of God. He highlights the need to speak about the things |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Matthew 12
In Matthew 12, Jesus demonstrates His divine authority and power, as He claims to be the Lord of the Sabbath (Matthew 12:8) and heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath (Matthew 12:9-14). The Pharisees' opposition to Jesus reveals their hardness of heart and lack of faith, and Jesus teaches about the importance of true faith and obedience, highlighting the need to produce good fruit that honors God (Matthew 12:33-37). As we reflect on this chapter, we are called to examine our own hearts and lives, asking whether we are producing good fruit and living a life that reflects God's character and will. We are also reminded of the dangers of opposing God's will and plan, and the importance of trusting in His goodness and provision. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Pharisees' Increasing Opposition
Throughout the chapter, the Pharisees' opposition to Jesus grows, revealing their hardness of heart and lack of faith. This opposition ultimately leads to Jesus' statement that a tree is known by its fruit (Matthew 12:33), emphasizing the importance of true faith and obedience.
Jesus' Teaching Style
Jesus' teaching style in this chapter is characterized by parables, metaphors, and direct statements, which challenge the Pharisees' traditional understanding of the Sabbath and the Old Testament.
The Importance of True Faith
This chapter highlights the importance of true faith, as Jesus teaches about the unpardonable sin (Matthew 12:31-32) and the need to produce good fruit (Matthew 12:33-37).