Attacked with False Accusation
Mark 3: 22-30
Have you ever been falsely accused? Maybe you have been maliciously attacked while seeking to do a good deed for someone else. Likely we all have dealt with situations where our actions or motives have been misrepresented, and we were unnecessarily accused or attacked.
As we continue in our study of Mark’s Gospel, these attacks were relentless against Jesus. While many were excited about His presence, standing in awe of His power and authority, others felt intimidated and even threatened by Jesus. The scribes and Pharisees sought any available opportunity to accuse Jesus, in an effort to minimize His influence and tarnish His credibility. While these accusations were completely without merit, they continued to assault Jesus.
Like Jesus, those who follow Him will eventually come under attack. These attacks are often unprovoked and unwarranted, but we must endure them. The enemy will do anything within his power to hinder and discourage believers. Let’s examine the lessons revealed in the text as we consider the thought: Attacked with False Accusation.
I. The Accusation of the Scribes (22) – And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils. Mark records yet another accusation brought unjustly against Jesus. Notice:
A. The Association Suspected – And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub. As you study Scripture, you discover amazing accounts recorded regarding humanity. The utter depravity of man cannot be argued if one takes the time to consider what the Bible reveals. These men were scribes, those trusted with transcribing the Scripture, literally making copies for others to read. If anyone should have known the Word, and the prophecies surrounding the coming of Christ, these men should. Here we find that they have openly accused working under the authority of Beelzebub. The names refers to “the lord of flies or the lord of filth; the dung-god.” Beelzebub was believed to be a wicked demon, associated with flies and filth, utter depravity.
Being completely unable to explain away the power and authority Jesus had shown, they mercilessly accuse Him of being under the direction and influence of the devil. The Son of God is accused of demon possession and working through Satan’s power by those who knew the Scripture. If they admitted Jesus was working through the power of God, they would have been obligated to follow Him. They would have to admit their approach to righteousness was lacking. They would have had to confess Jesus was in fact the Christ. They are unwilling to relinquish their power and way of life, so they are determined to find any means possible to accuse Jesus.
Unfortunately such activity continues today. Many have witnessed the power and presence of the Lord. They cannot deny that He brings about transformation in the lives of those who experience salvation. The evidence is undeniable that Jesus is who He claimed to be, and yet they refuse to believe. In order to justify their unbelief and rejection, they bring accusation against the Lord and His church.
B. The Assumption Made (22) – And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils. These had fabricated a preposterous lie, but their lie provided a means of escape from the reality of Jesus. They forced themselves to believe that Jesus was actually casting out devils and working these mighty miracles through the power of Satan. If others would believe their accusation, they could convince them to abandon following the Lord and minimize His influence.
We’ve all heard the saying – misery loves company. These were committed to discrediting Jesus’ ministry and they wanted to influence others to become skeptical as well. The devil is always at work, seeking to minimize the church’s influence while silencing our witness. Often those who do his bidding bring preposterous accusations, and the world embraces these lies as truth. The church is no longer viewed positively by the majority in America. This negative perception has evolved from years of lies and deception being spread by the enemy.
II. The Admonition of Jesus (23-30) – As we continue in our study, Mark recorded Jesus’ public rebuke of the scribes regarding their blasphemous accusation. Consider:
A. The Challenge (23) – And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan? Jesus challenged their accusation with common sense and reason. How can Satan cast out Satan? Why would he do such a thing if he could? Jesus argued their accusation was without merit. First of all, they had no right to falsely accuse Him; and secondly, their accusation made no sense. Why would Satan oppose himself?
Again this reveals the tactics of the enemy and the gullibility of mankind. While this claim was ridiculous, no doubt some would agree. The world’s claims against the Word of God and the church are without merit, being totally ridiculous, and yet many believe those accusations as truth.
B. The Consideration (24-26) – And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. [25] And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. [26] And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end. Bear in mind, these were well educated men. They knew the Scriptures, being very familiar with the Word. Having such knowledge of Scripture should have prevented such as hideous accusation, but even common people possessed enough sense to know these claims were baseless. Common sense reveals that one cannot fight with himself and stand. Jesus affirmed that divided kingdoms would not endure. Families and homes continually working against each other, seeking to destroy one another, would not survive. If Satan worked against himself, being divided, he could not stand. 1 Cor.1:10 – Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. Jesus in essence challenged them to consider how preposterous their claim actually was.
C. The Conflict (27) – No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house. Jesus again used known truth to rebuke their claim. They all knew it would be impossible to break into a strong man’s house and rob him of his possessions without first binding the strong man. In order to be successful at such an attempt, the strong man would have to be bound or removed, and once he was no longer a threat, the house could be robbed.
Such was the case spiritually. The house Jesus speaks of is the bodies of those possessed by evil spirits, those possessed with demons. In order to drive out the evil spirits, one must first bind them, exercising greater authority and power. Once the spirits were bound, they could be cast out and the individual freed of bondage.
We are reminded that although Satan has power, he does not have all power. He is no match for the Lord. Jesus is able to deliver from the grip of Satan, setting those free who are bound in sin and condemnation. I rejoice for the day that He delivered me from sin, saving me by His grace, and offering eternal life!
D. The Concern (28-30) – Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: [29] But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation: [30] Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit. In an act of grace, Jesus warned the scribes of the danger of such accusation while revealing the opportunity for repentance and salvation. These had stood in the presence of the Christ, the fulfillment of prophecy, and instead of believing Jesus was the Christ, they accused Him of demon possession. Jesus spoke of the danger and the remedy for such sin. Consider:
1. The Pardonable Sin (28) – Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme. These were clearly guilty of blasphemy against Christ. They spoke evil of the Son of God, accusing Him of working through the power of Satan. These were serious sins, and yet hope remained. These could receive forgiveness and salvation if they would only repent of their sin and believe in Jesus as the Christ. All sins shall be forgiven!
This offers hope for all who read these words. Regardless of the sin you have committed, forgiveness is available in Christ. If you are willing to repent of your sin, and receive Christ by faith, you can be saved. No one should refuse salvation because of previous sin. All sin can be forgiven in Christ the Lord.
2. The Unpardonable Sin (29) – But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation. Here Jesus revealed a sin so serious that is was beyond forgiveness. At this moment, these men were guilty of this sin. They had denied the Lord and His work, being enabled of the Holy Spirit. They had spoken evil of the Holy Spirit. They had not only denied that Jesus was the Christ, but rejected the work of the Holy Spirit. The majority of the Sanhedrin would commit this grave sin as they condemned Jesus to death, rejecting Him as the Messiah and dismissing the work of the Holy Spirit.
Several commentaries agree that this particular sin can no longer be committed. The sin Jesus spoke of here was reserved for those who experienced His power, words, and miracles. It was reserved for those who stood in the presence of Christ, and yet denied He was who He claimed to be. I understand their reasoning, and it makes sense. However, these same commentaries also agree that there is a sin very similar and just as dangerous today. Remember, Jesus declared that any and all sin could be forgiven. If one experiences conviction for sin, and truly repents, forgiveness is available. However, those who reject the convicting power of the Spirit, leading toward salvation, and never come to saving faith in Christ, will not be forgiven. It is possible to reject the conviction of the Spirit and die lost in your sin. That is the unpardonable sin today. As long as you are living, and the Spirit is dealing with you, forgiveness is available. If you reject Christ for the last time, and die in your sin, it will be too late to repent then.
Conclusion: No doubt we too have faced similar situations in life. We have dealt with false accusations and been misrepresented. Our rejection hurts, but it doesn’t have eternal implications for the offender. With Christ, it does however. I am thankful I was given the opportunity for salvation and responded in repentance and faith. If you are saved today, rejoice in your salvation. If the Lord has revealed your need for salvation, He is drawing you to Him in grace. I wouldn’t reject His offer. Come while there is time and the good Holy Spirit is leading you!
