Matthew_12.asp

Atlanta Bible Students

The Book of Matthew

Chapter 12

[1] At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat. [2] But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day. [3] But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him; [4] How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the showbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests? [5] Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless? [6] But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple. [7] But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless. [8] For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day.

Verses 1-2 Expanded Bible Comments

At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat. [2] But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day.
Please read parallel account in Mark 2:23-28
Question	Answer
What was the accusation made by the Pharisees?	That the disciples of Jesus had broken the law of Sabbath.
Were they correct?	Certainly Jesus had not.
Was it wrong for the disciples to take corn from someone else's field?	No. Israel was to leave the corners of their fields unharvested so the poor may have food to eat. Lev. 19:9-10; 23:22

Verses 3-4 Expanded Bible Comments

But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him; [4] How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the showbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests?
Question	Answer
Who was permitted to eat of the showbread?	Only the priests.
What was Jesus telling his audience by pointing to David entering the Tabernacle and eating the showbread.	That God did not set up the laws of the Sabbath in order to place a burden on man. – R3316

Verses 5-6 Expanded Bible Comments

Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless? [6] But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple.
Question	Answer
What do the priests do in the temple on the sabbath?	See Num. 28:3-4,7-10
Were they allowed to do this or were they in violation of the Law?	Jesus' words were "and are blameless." Since God gave them the work, how could it possibly be a violation of God's law? – R2268:6; R3316:9
What did Jesus mean by "In this place is one greater than the temple?"	He was speaking of himself as being not simply a building that represents the plan of God but as the one who fulfills all things, the one in whom the plan of God is centered. If we keep this in mind, the concern over the church reigning for 1,000 years should resolve itself. We are nothing without Him.

Verses 7-8 Expanded Bible Comments

But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless. [8] For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day.
Question	Answer
From where is our Lord quoting?	Hosea 6:6
What was His purpose in quoting this text?	To bring out its meaning, not just the form.
What were the Pharisees guilty of?	Condemning those who had done no wrong. It was the Pharisees who were at fault for adding their own ideas to the Lord's word and completely mis-understanding the purpose of the Sabbath day. – Mark 2:27
What lessons might we learn from this?	To learn from God's Word, not just the what or even the how of things in the Divine Plan, but to get the real understanding by learning the why of things and then how to incorporate the principles of God's character into our character.
Why did Jesus say "the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day?"	R3754:4; R3316:4

[9] And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue: [10] And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him. [11] And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out? [12] How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days. [13] Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other. [14] Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him.

Verses 9-10 Expanded Bible Comments

And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue: [10] And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him.
Question	Answer
Where did they go next?	Into their synagogue.
What is the significance of this?	This was the place they had set aside to worship God and learn of Him and His ways.
"They asked him.." – Who were "they?"	The Pharisees.
What did they ask of Jesus?	Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath?
What was their purpose in asking this question of Jesus?	They wanted to accuse him.
What does this say about their heart condition?	God had shown them such mercy as a people that they should have learned their lesson and become tender-hearted. Instead their hearts were selfish and looking to condemn others. – How about us?

Verses 11-12 Expanded Bible Comments

And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out? [12] How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.
Question	Answer
What was the point Jesus was making about the sheep?	Sheep had little to do with His point. He was pointing out that even the Pharisees were not living up to their own (albeit muddled) understanding of the Sabbath day.
Why did he point out a man is better than a sheep?	Because man was made to have dominion over the animals. – Gen. 1:26; Matt. 10:29,31
What was the point Jesus was making about the Sabbath?	It is lawful to do good, even on the Sabbath. He is re-iterating that the purpose of the Sabbath was not to make men suffer, but to allow men to have time for rest. As such, the Sabbath is a fitting picture for the Kingdom of rest from battling with sin and death.

Verses 13-14 Expanded Bible Comments

Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other. [14] Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him.
Question	Answer
What did Jesus do next?	He healed the man's hand.
What was the effect of this action upon the Pharisees?	Instead of rejoicing that a crippled man was made whole, they sought how they might destroy him.

[15] But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all; [16] And charged them that they should not make him known: [17] That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying, [18] Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall show judgment to the Gentiles. [19] He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. [20] A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. [21] And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.

Verse 15 Expanded Bible Comments

But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all;
Question	Answer
"When Jesus knew it" – What was it that he knew and what was his reaction to that knowledge?	What he knew was that the Pharisees were trying to figure out how to destroy him. His reaction to that knowledge was to leave and go elsewhere. This is in harmony with the instructions He gave to His disciples earlier – Matt. 10:23; Matt. 4:12.
Who went with Him?	The multitudes?
What did Jesus do?	He healed them all?

Verse 16 Expanded Bible Comments

And charged them that they should not make him known:
Question	Answer
Why would Jesus do this?	Please see additional comments for Matt. 8:4

Verses 17-20 Expanded Bible Comments

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying, [18] Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall declare judgment to the Gentiles. [19] He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. [20] A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.
Question	Answer
Where do we find this quote from Isaiah?	Isa. 42:1-3
Who did "Behold my servant" refer to?	Jesus.
It says "my servant." Who does "my" that refer to?	Jehovah God.
"Whom I have chosen." Was this choice arbitrary?	No. "My beloved in whom my soul is well pleased." In other words, he earned it by his faithfulness.
What did God say about His spirit?	"I will put my spirit upon him." What a problem this must be for trinitarians! Applying what they believe this comes out something like this: "I (God the Father, God the Son – Jesus, God the Holy Spirit) will put my spirit (God the Holy Spirit) upon him (me, God the Son – Jesus). – So God will put himself upon himself. The fact that He says He will do this means that at some time He had not done so. How can this be since (according to trinitarians) He is speaking of Himself (God) putting himself (Spirit) upon himself (Son – Jesus)? The more we compare the Scriptures with the doctrine of the trinity, the more absurd that doctrine becomes!
What does Jesus do?	He declares judgment [krisis] to the Gentiles.
What does He not do?	He does not: strive; cry; agitate in the streets; break a bruised reed; quench smoking flax.
For how long does He continue this?	Until His judgments result in victory.

Verse 21 Expanded Bible Comments

And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.
Question	Answer
At what point in God's Plan does this apply?	In one sense it began when Jesus healed the servant of the Centurian. In another at the conversion of Cornelius in 33 A.D. And yet another time when the New Covenant goes into effect.

[22] Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw. [23] And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David? [24] But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. [25] And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: [26] And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? [27] And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges. [28] But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. [29] Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house. [30] He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. [31] Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit shall not be forgiven unto men. [32] And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this age, neither in the age to come. [33] Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. [34] O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. [35] A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. [36] But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. [37] For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

Verses 22-23 Expanded Bible Comments

Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw. [23] And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David?
Question	Answer
What was the physical condition of the one who was brought to Jesus?	Blind and dumb.
Why was he in that condition?	Possessed with a devil.
What did Jesus do and what was the result upon that individual?	He healed him
Is there a picture here?	This individual would seem to picture the world of mankind. They have been made to be both unable to see the Truth and also unable to speak the Truth. The time comes however when "the eyes of the blind be opened" and "the tongue of the dumb shall sing." - Isa. 35:5-6
Were the common people there impressed?	They were "amazed."
What was their reaction, i.e., what did they say?	"Is not this the son of David?"
What does that mean?	The promised Messiah was to come from David's line. They were asking "Is not this the Messiah?"

Verse 24 Expanded Bible Comments

But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.
Question	Answer
What was the acusation made by the Pharisees?	That Jesus was casting out devils by the power of Satan.
When did they make this accusation?	It is not recorded that they made their accusation when they saw the miracle. No, it was only after they heard the people wondering out loud if Jesus was the Messiah. This would have then become, in the mind of the Pharisees, a direct challenge to their authority and their status.

Verses 25-26 Expanded Bible Comments

And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: [26] And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?
Question	Answer
Was Jesus speaking of any kingdom, or did he have a particular kingdom in mind?	Likely both with an emphasis on the kingdom of Satan.
What happens to a kingdom that is divided against itself.	It not only falls but is brought to desolation.
Was Jesus speaking of any city or house, or did he have a particular city or house in mind?	Likely both with an emphasis on the fleshly house of Israel in his day and probably the house of nominal spiritual Israel in the time of His Second Presence.
What happens to a city or house that is divided against itself?	It falls. Rev. 18:2
How could Satan cast our Satan? What did Jesus mean by that statement?	Satan was the "god of this world" (2 Cor. 4:3,4,) i.e., this is his "house" and he is in control. If the point is reached where those of his house do things against him, then his house (or kingdom) is divided.
What does that indicate?	That "he is divided against himself."
How can Satan be divided?	By having part of his kingdom oppose another part of his kingdom.
What is to happen to Satan's kingdom when this state of affairs is reached?	His kingdom will not stand?
Have we seen any evidence of this since our Lord's Return? If so, what?	Yes. While Satan's kingdom has been the whole world, his masterpiece has been the counterfeit kingdom of Christ – Christendom. WWI had parts of that kingdom warring against other parts of that kingdom (i.e., Satan against Satan,) which resulted in its destruction.

Verse 27 Expanded Bible Comments

And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges.
Question	Answer
Who is Beelzebub?	G954 Βεελζεβούλ Beelzeboul beh-el-zeb-ool' Of Chaldee origin (by parody upon [H1176]); dung god; Beelzebul, a name of Satan: - Beelzebub. H1176 בּעל זבוּב ba‛al zebûb bah'-al zeb-oob' From H1168 and H2070; Baal of (the) Fly; Baal Zebub, a special deity of the Ekronites: - Baal-zebub. H1168 בּעל ba‛al bah'-al The same as H1167; Baal, a Phoenician deity: - Baal, [plural] Baalim. H2070 זבוּב zebûb zeb-oob' From an unused root (meaning to flit); a fly (especially one of a stinging nature): - fly. All this seems to be appropriate. The reference to being a god of the fly (which travels in the air.) Satan is described as "the prince of the power of the air." Eph. 2:2. He certainly has a stinging nature and he would have us trade gold (things Divine) for something as worthless as dung.
Where did these "devils" come from?	They are the "fallen angels." Jude 6; Gen. 6:1-4
What was the comparison Jesus was making when he referred to their children?	That some of them also cast out devils. Did that mean their children were doing so by the power of Satan?
What did Jesus mean by "they shall be your judges."	That is, they bear witness against the Pharisees, not by their words but by their actions.

Verse 28 Expanded Bible Comments

But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.
Question	Answer
What was Jesus saying about how he was able to cast out devils?	That he was doing it by the Spirit (power) of God.
Had the kingdom of God really come to the Pharisees?	Yes. The opportunity to enter into the race for a place in the Heavenly portion of God's Kingdom had indeed come and the Pharisees too could have entered in if they had been of the right condition of heart.

Verse 29 Expanded Bible Comments

Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.
Question	Answer
Who is the "strong man" that Jesus is here speaking of?	Satan. – R1736:4
What is his "house?"	This "world" or order of things. – R1736:4
What does it mean to enter his house?	It means the Lord has returned and entered into Satan's domain, this order of things. It also means he has begun to "bind the strong man?"
What does it mean to spoil his goods?	To take his goods for a spoil, to plunder his goods. Satan's "goods" includes his dominion of earth. – "I will overturn... and give it to him whose right it is." Eze. 21:27; Psa. 2:8-9
In order to do this, what must he do first?	Bind the strong man. He must begin the process of Binding Satan. According to Rev. 20:1-4 this process includes at least 4 pats. Satan must be bound, cast into the bottomless pit, shut up, and sealed.
Do we have any evidence of this having taken place?	Yes. "The collapse of Babylon will indicate that Satan has been quite fully bound." Question Book Page 626 1st para. Q626:1

Verse 30 Expanded Bible Comments

He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.
Question	Answer
Did our Lord put a clear choice before his audience?	Absolutely yes.
Had the Jews any experience with having to make such a choice?	No doubt there are many Old Testament examples. Josh. 24:15; 1 Kings 18:21

Verse 31 Expanded Bible Comments

Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit shall not be forgiven unto men.

Question

Answer

What is meant by "wherefore?"

One of the definitions from the British Dictionary is: "for which reason: used as an introductory word in legal preambles."

What is blasphemy?

Blasphemy.

G988
βλασφημία
blasphēmia
blas-fay-me'-ah
From G989; vilification (especially against God): - blasphemy, evil speaking, railing.

Did our Lord really tell the Pharisees that, with the one exception, all sin will be forgiven?

No. "All manner of sin."

Does it make a difference, "all sin" or "all manner of sin?"

In one sense yes and in another no.
All sin would mean every sin made by fallen man (with the specified exception.)
All manner of sin would indicate every type of sin, but not necessarily all sin.
However, once we understand that all who come up in the resurrection of mankind will have opportunity to walk up the highway of holiness and successfully reach its end as perfect men, then indeed we may say "all sin" will have been forgiven them.

What is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit?

Applying the definition of blasphemy: "the crime of assuming to oneself the rights or qualities of God," this would include attributing an evil purpose to the power of God (as, for example, in this case where the Pharisees accused Jesus, who was using the power of God to do good, of using the power of Satan.)

Why won't that be forgiven?

Because it is really done against God.

Last week's study included a discussion about the Pharisees and the fact that all sin is to be forgiven except sin against the Holy Spirit. It seemed to be agreed that this type of sin would be based on light and knowledge, thus indicating greater or lesser responsibilty. From there the discussion went to just how responsible were the Pharisees, who sought to put Jesus to death. Also, did they realize that Jesus was indeed the Messiah?
Some scriptures mentioned (but due to time constraints not all were discussed) which seemed to have a bearing on the level of responsibility of Israel's leaders included: John 7:25-32; 1 Cor 2:6-8; Acts 3:17; 13:23-28; – Did they recognize Jesus as the Messiah?
We suggest that you try to bring with you to the discussion any other scriptures which seem to have a bearing on the subject, both pro and con.

Verse 32 Expanded Bible Comments

And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this age, neither in the age to come.
Question	Answer
How could speaking against Jesus the Messiah be forgiven?	Because there is a measure of ignorance.
What does it mean to speak against the Holy Spirit?	E270:5-E273:1
When will sin against the Holy Spirit be forgiven?	Never. "Whosoever speaketh against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this age, neither in the age to come."

Verse 33 Expanded Bible Comments

Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.
Question	Answer
Was Jesus really talking about trees?	He was simply drawing a lesson from nature.
What did he mean?	If a person has clean or unclean thoughts it will be reflected in their speach.

Verses 34-35 Expanded Bible Comments

O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. [35] A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
Question	Answer
"Generation of vipers." Was Jesus referring to that present generation? Just who was he speaking of?	The word is "race." He was saying that the Pharisees had become a race of vipers.
Why did Jesus refer to vipers?	A viper is a poisonous snake. He may have had reference to the Adversary. Remember that he elswhere said of the Pharisees: "Ye are of your father the devil." John 8:44
Could the Pharisees have spoken good things?	Jesus here implies they could not. It does not mean they previously could not, but at this time they no longer had that capability. Apparently their coruption had reached a level that great. He also did not say it was impossible for them to be recovered from this condition.
Referring to the last part of verse 34 and all of verse 35: What what principle does the Lord here express.	Eph. 4:29; Rom. 10:9-10; Titus 1:15; Prov. 23:7

Verse 36 Expanded Bible Comments

But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
Question	Answer
What does this verse mean?	R5517

Verse 37 Expanded Bible Comments

For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
Question	Answer
To whom was Jesus speaking?	The Pharisees.
Were they Justified? Were they condemned?	The Pharisees, as religious leaders amongst God's Covenanted people, should have been in a justified condition. They claimed full consecration to God. Instead they were condemned by their own words for "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." – vs. 34.

[38] Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. [39] But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonah: [40] For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. [41] The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and, behold, a greater than Jonah is here. [42] The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. [43] When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. [44] Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. [45] Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.

Verse 38 Expanded Bible Comments

Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.
Question	Answer
Why did some of the scribes and Pharisees ask to see a sign from Jesus?	In the Luke's account of this (Luke 11:29-32) it adds "when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say.." This suggests that they were once again tempting Jesus because the multitude was there and they hoped to trap him in some manner, especially before the crowd. – We arrive at this conclusion because this seems to be their motivation in all their dealings with Jesus.

Verses 39-41 Expanded Bible Comments

But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonah: [40] For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. [41] The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and, behold, a greater than Jonah is here.
Question	Answer
What did Jesus suggest about those asking him for a sign?	It indicated they were of an evil generation.
What sign did he say would be given them?	The sign of Jonah. Jonah was in the belly of the fish for 3 days, Jesus was buried in the earth for parts of 3 days.
What was his point about the men of Ninevah?	They repented at the preaching of Jonah. The scribes and Pharisees did not.
What did Jesus mean by "a greater than Jonah is here?"	Jesus was giving them another opportunity to open their eyes to all he had been both teaching and doing. If they had done so they would have realized thah he was indeed their promised Messiah.
Is there any Second Advent parallel to this?	"Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence"

Concerning Jesus' statement: "so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth." Our other studies have shown that Jesus was buried on Friday before sunset and he was raised from the dead on Sunday morning. Thus he was in the grave part of Friday, all of Friday night, all day Saturday, all of Saturday night, and part of Sunday. Is this in conflict with "three days and three nights?"	This expression by our Lord was an idiom in Israel. Please compare Gen. 42:17,18; Esther 4:16; 5:1 and especially 2 Chron. 10:5,12 – This provided by Br. John Edgar R3574:5

Verse 42 Expanded Bible Comments

The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.
Question	Answer
Who was "the queen of the south?"	The queen of Sheba. 1 Kings 10:1-9.
What did she do that would condemn "this generation?"	She travelled from far distance to hear Solomon's wisdom. Many of the Jews (and especially their leaders) did not want to hear (nor believe) the Truth, even from their Messiah. Contrast their attitude with those mentioned in Acts 17:11.
What did Jesus mean by "a greater than Solomon is here?"	Jesus was giving them another opportunity to open their eyes to all he had been both teaching and doing. If they had they would have realized thah he was indeed their promised Messiah, greater even than Solomon.
Is there any Second Advent parallel to this?	"Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence." Also the Lord's special Messenger, "The man .. with the writer's inkhorn"* was proclaiming the Truth world-wide. He was by far the most well known Bible preacher of his day.

Verses 43-45 Expanded Bible Comments

When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. [44] Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. [45] Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.
Question	Answer
Why did Jesus start talking about an unclean spirit?	Remember that he had just cast out a devil (vs. 22) so that the one who had been possessed could now both see and speak, whereas before he could do neither.
What does it mean for a man to walk through dry places?	R5378
What is he seeking?	Rest.
What action does the spirit take next?	He took seven other spirits with him and they went back to possess the man that the one had left – much like the man who was possessed with so many that they said their name was "legion." – Mark 5:9
What is the result?	"The last state of that man is worse that the first." – 2 Pet. 2:20-23
What was Jesus really talking about?	The Jews of that generation, especially the religious leaders (Pharisees,) who should have known him by comparing what they saw in him with the promises in scripture concerning their Messiah. The parallel of that would have been during the days of Pastor Russell when the religious leaders of Christendom were all made aware of the Truth, but only an extremely small number (a "littel flock") took heed.

[46] While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him. [47] Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. [48] But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? [49] And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! [50] For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

Verses 46,47 Expanded Bible Comments

While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him. [47] Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee.
Parallel accounts (vss. 46-50) in Mark 3:31-35 and Luke 8:19-21
Question	Answer
Who was waiting outside to speak with Jesus?	His natural family.

Verses 48-50 Expanded Bible Comments

But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? [49] And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! [50] For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
Question	Answer
Does Jesus' response indicate that he had memory lapse and had (for the moment) forgotten his mother and his siblings?	Of course not.
What did Jesus mean by his response?	He was setting the standard of God's family (for Jesus was the firstborn) at a much higher level than that of mere blood line.
Why is this important?	Because the only ones who will atain to everlasting life (on any plane of existance) will need to be desireous of doing the will of God. Why is this so? Compare Heb. 10:38 with Rev. 4:11.

Chapter 11 Chapter 13