PODCAST

Trouble Ahead

March 20th, 2012

RG AUDIO 032012Mark 3:20-30

Jesus had barely begun his ministry when he started to face trouble. First his family accuses him of losing his mind. Then religious leaders from Jerusalem spied him casting out demons. No way would they believe Jesus’ power came from God, because that would mean he was the Messiah. They decided to come up with another reason for Jesus having that kind of miraculous power. They attacked Jesus spirituality with a false charge, “He is possessed by Beelzebub! . . . the prince of demons” (v. 22).

Jesus response was quick, “How can Satan drive out Satan?” (v. 23b). He’d be dividing his house against himself if he did. Jesus then made a frightening statement. “[W]hoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven” (v. 29).

Christians through the centuries have debated what Jesus meant. Clearly “to blaspheme” is tied to our response to the Holy Spirit. We who follow Jesus, and allow the Holy Spirit to direct us, can rest in his mercy and grace.