“Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me. “So I tell you, every sin and blasphemy can be forgiven—except blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which will never be forgiven. Anyone who speaks against the Son of Man can be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven, either in this world or in the world to come. [Matthew 12.30-32]
Jesus had been healing people and casting out demons. It was for the particular act of casting out demons that Jesus was accused of acting on the authority of Satan. To this, Jesus replied that Satan could not cast out Satan. He went on the say that a strong man is only overcome by a stronger man.
It was then that Jesus made the statements above.
What did Jesus mean when He said "with me?" Let's back up and look at verses 25-29:
Jesus knew their thoughts and replied, “Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed. A town or family splintered by feuding will fall apart. And if Satan is casting out Satan, he is divided and fighting against himself. His own kingdom will not survive. And if I am empowered by Satan, what about your own exorcists? They cast out demons, too, so they will condemn you for what you have said. But if I am casting out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you. For who is powerful enough to enter the house of a strong man and plunder his goods? Only someone even stronger—someone who could tie him up and then plunder his house. [Matthew 12.25-29]
By, "with me" Jesus meant those working for the Kingdom of God - those operating in the power of the Holy Spirit - those casting out demons and performing all manner of deliverances. This is Kingdom work. This is the work of the Holy Spirit.
Now, pay attention here... I have heard many Christian people say, "I'm not into all that casting out demon stuff." Well, according to Jesus, if you are not into all that "casting out demon stuff," like HE WAS, then you are against Him. You are neither just "neutral" nor "not fully committed" - you oppose Jesus Christ the Son of God Who was operating by the Holy Spirit of God. It will not go well for you - you are blaspheming the Holy Spirit.
Christians have become content in powerless religion. Satan could not be happier. They leave him alone and, what's more, they blaspheme the Holy Spirit in so doing.
This is serious.
Father, forgive me for being content in powerless existence and still insisting upon my being saved. Forgive me for neglecting the works of Jesus with my life.
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