Section 48: Blasphemous Accusations of the Jews

I decided to simply read through the Fourfold Gospel text and commentary this morning--not the text alone, not additional commentaries.   There is always the tension between moving through the scriptures in a way that gives perspective to the breadth of them, yet allows room for contemplation.  After two weeks in the Parable of the Sower, I feel ready to gain some ground.

I'm not sure if it's the AP Language and Composition prep or the sum of a gradual understanding, but this time through the gospels, I'm more aware of how logical and analytical Jesus is in his teachings.  He's a master of conversation, turning and reframing things in a fashion that puts the burden back upon the heckler, where it should be.  It's where it does the most good either way---causing the heckler to think or at minimum shifting it off the deliverer.

In this section, Jesus addresses the accusations that he is working as an agent of Satan.  There are several powerful take aways:  A house divided cannot stand; Bad cannot create good; evil is highly organized; there are invisible powers at work for both sides.  One more, there is no neutral ground: "He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad" (Matt 12:29). And another--like produces like:"What is in the well will be in the bucket"-- Trapp

This subtle but important distinction is worthwhile too:

"And I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned." -Matthew 12:36-37

"It may have seemed to some that Jesus denounced too severely a saying which the Pharisees had hastily and lightly uttered. But it is the word inconsiderately spoken which betrays the true state of the heart. The hypocrite can talk like an angel if he be put on notice that his words are heard. Jesus here makes words the basis of the judgment of God. Elsewhere [304] we find it is works (Rom. 2:6; II. Cor. 5:10), and again we find it is faith (Rom. 3:28). There is no confusion here. The judgment in its finality must be based upon our character. Our faith forms our character, and our words and works are indices by which we may determine what manner of character it is." -Fourfold Gospel

I admire the complexity of Christ's discourse and distinctions.  He encouraged his audience to think with both their hearts and hearts, to be consistent and persistent in pursuing God and loving men.