Matthew 12

Matthew 12:30

Mat. 12:30. “He that is not with Me is against Me; and he that gathereth not with Me scattereth abroad.” The true reason of Christ’s observing this in this place, where He is reproving the Pharisees’ saying, that “He cast out devils by Beelzebub,” is this, that these Pharisees, till now, appeared to exercise that kind of prudence, falsely so-called, which is commonly to be seen among them that count themselves wise and great men, who think it becomes them to let matters of religion much alone, and not to appear forward and zealous, or apt to shew their minds. When Christ appeared working great miracles, with which the multitude appeared much affected, and some appeared zealous to commence His disciples and followers, they thought it their prudence to hold their tongues till Christ proceeded so far in His wonderful works, and the esteem that He gained among the people, that they apprehended themselves in apparent danger of having their glory eclipsed, and of losing the esteem and honor of the people; and then they could bear it no longer. They openly showed what was in their hearts before - viz., a bitter enmity against Christ, and that truly they had never been indifferent as they appeared.

Mat. 12:32

Matthew 12:32

Mat. 12:32. “It shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world nor in the world to come.” Some sins may not be forgiven in this world, that yet are forgiven in the world that is to come. God does not manifest his forgiveness in this world, but is provoked sometimes by the grievous fall of the godly, in a great measure to hide his face as long as they live. So that ever after they shall go hanging down their heads, even to their graves. God sometimes inflicts judgments that last as long as life, and their former joy and comfort is no more restored to its wonted degree until they die.

Mat. 12:49-50

Matthew 12:49-50

Mat. 12:49, 50. “And He stretched forth His hand toward His disciples, and said, Behold, My mother and My brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of My Father which is in heaven, the same is My brother, and sister, and mother.” The figure of speech Christ here uses will appear the more natural and beautiful, if it be considered that there were probably then sitting by, not only his male disciples, but also Mary Magdalene and Joanna (the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward) and Susanna, and many other women that were His disciples, who at that time attended Him, ministering to Him of their substance, as seems by Luke 8:1-3, with verse Luke 8:21.

Mat. 13:32