A House Divided

DAILY READING

Matthew 12:22-32

FIELD NOTES

We’ve all heard the cliché, “A house divided cannot stand.”  Often we use this phrase to call for unity.  Here, Jesus is talking to the Pharisees, defending against their claims that he performs his miracles under the power of Beezelbul, the prince of Demons. 

Why would evil fight against evil, he argues?  Evil fighting against itself is pointless and defeats the purpose for which it stands.  Jesus, who was always a step ahead of the Pharisees, knew they were trying to trip him up.

The Voice translation puts his retort this way:

“That would be like a father splitting his own household down the middle or a king cutting his kingdom in half—the household and the kingdom would fall apart. 26 So, too, if Satan imbued people with the power to drive out demons, Satan’s kingdom would collapse. 27 And you should think about this too: you have friends who drive out demons. If I am working as a tool of Beelzebul, whom are your people working for? 28 When I come to you and drive out demons by the Spirit of your Father in heaven—for the glory of your Father in heaven—you should recognize and rejoice that the kingdom of God has come to you.”

So here’s my question: How often do I seek to defend my own agenda, rather than looking for the Glory of God where I might not expect it, or even want to see it? How often do I demonize those who believe differently than I?  Rather, as Jesus implores, I should seek to recognize and rejoice in the Kingdom of God around me.  

QUESTIONS FOR THE FIELD

• Who around you may be bringing the Kingdom of God, and yet you overlook them due to their different ways of doing so?
• Why is it so easy to demonize those who think/act/look/believe differently than you?

FAMILY FIELD TALK

• What would Jesus have you say to someone who may be different than you, but still does good?
• Where do you see the goodness of God around you?

PRAYER GUIDE

Lord, we humbly apologize and repent for any times we have missed your Glory, and your Kingdom due to our own prejudices towards people who are different than us.  May we be diligent in our seeking.  May we always be captivated by what You are doing in and around us.  Amen.