Matthew 12 - Introduction

Rejection Leading To The Cross

Matthew Twelve

Matthew twelve is a section of scripture dealing with the rejection of Jesus by the Jews that ultimately led to His crucifixion. "Then the Pharisees went out and plotted against Him, how they might destroy Him." (Matthew 12:14)

Jesus showed that many of the ideas advanced by the Jews concerning the Sabbath day were in error. He explained that even they allowed works of necessity and mercy on the Sabbath. He wanted them to know that "the Son of man is Lord even of the Sabbath Day." When "the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him" Jesus just quietly continued to teach and work miracles showing that He was indeed the Christ.

The scribes and Pharisees accused Jesus of doing His miracles by the power of Satan. Such an attitude was blasphemy against the Holy Ghost and it would not be forgiven. Jesus reminded them that, "every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment."

These people demanded a sign from heaven. Jesus said that Jonah was their sign. "For as Jonas 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." He concluded this chapter by saying; "whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother."