Following Jesus: time to choose!
Passage: Matthew 12:22-37
Preacher: Mark Kingston
A man is brought to Jesus. He can’t see. He can’t speak. Everyone knows his condition is bound up with evil. Which means, to their minds, he’s incurable. Beyond hope.
But Jesus heals him with ease. No struggle, no ceremony. Suddenly the man can see. He can speak. He is free. This is raw power - more than human strength. And it raises the obvious question: By whose power? That’s the question.
The people lean in, wide-eyed, daring to believe. Could this be God’s power? Could this be the Messiah? It feels too good, too big, almost unbelievable. They’re hopeful, excited, but not sure…
The Pharisees, though, won’t go there. They can’t. Because if this is God’s power, then Jesus is the one God has chosen and empowered. Which means His teaching, His preaching, His healing, His freeing - are all signs of God’s kingdom breaking in. And that would mean that they had to rethink everything. So instead, they harden their hearts and call it Satan’s power.
Jesus won’t let that stand. He shows their logic is nonsense: a kingdom divided against itself falls.
Then He makes the staggering claim: “If I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” Not someday. Not eventually. Now. God’s rule is pressing in - here.
Which means we all have to choose. Jesus frames the choice bluntly: “Whoever is not with me is against me.” It’s God’s kingdom or the devil’s. No fence-sitting. No neutrality.
And He makes it concrete. Trees bear fruit consistent with their roots. Hearts overflow in words that reveal their true allegiance. The choice you make shows itself in your life.
So the call is clear. Choose the kingdom. Make it a daily choice to keep stepping into God’s healing, freedom, and peace. Say with your life and your lips: “Jesus, I’m with you.”
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
The man’s condition: Where in your life - or in the life of someone close to you - does it feel “incurable,” beyond hope? How does this story stretch your imagination for what Jesus can do?
Jesus’ power: The man was healed with ease, no struggle. What does that tell you about Jesus’ authority, and how does it challenge the way you normally think about your own struggles?
The question of power: When God moves in ways that are surprising or uncomfortable, are you more like the crowd (open but hesitant) or the Pharisees (quick to explain it away)?
The choice of kingdoms: Jesus says neutrality is over - whoever isn’t with Him is against Him. Where do you sense Him pressing you to make a clearer, braver choice of allegiance this week?
Fruit as evidence: If your words are the overflow of your heart, what do they reveal about your true allegiance? What would it look like to let God’s Spirit grow new fruit in you?
