12:33-37
The Pharisees were concerned with externals, Jesus cared about the heart of the matter. The Pharisees, along with every other human, were fundamentally sinful, that is our basic problem, and unless that root issue is addressed nothing good can come from us. The mouth reflects the nature of the heart. Today we may be able to hide the matter, to fool some people, but there will come a day of judgement when all will have to give an account, and all will be clear.
12:38-45
The Pharisees demanded a sign, this may seem rather odd, surely Jesus has done enough signs! But they wanted “proof” that He was indeed the one Moses had spoken about. Jesus condemns them, calling them “a wicked and adulterous generation”. He then foretells his resurrection. This generation would be condemned by the men of Nineveh (the people Jonah was sent to). They repented at Jonah’s preaching, but the Pharisees were utterly unresponsive. The Queen of the South would condemn them as well, for she listened to Solomon’s wisdom. The Pharisees were proud of themselves, of how “righteous” they were, but they failed to listen to the Son of God.
Jesus then speaks about the impure Spirit, perhaps he is foretelling the AD70 destruction of Jerusalem. Whatever the case, the Pharisees did not realise what a perilous state they were in.
12:46-50
Jesus’ family were little better, they thought he was mad. Jesus then states that it is obedience to His Father that is the most important thing.
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