[Jesus speaking]
Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can plunder his house.
Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.

Power does not share well. Powerful overlords must be detained before good can prevail. Jesus calls out this truth for all to pay attention to, in the face of the ridiculous accusation by the Jewish leaders that he cast out demons by the power of Satan.

And then he gives two warnings:
1) Anyone who does not gather with Jesus, scatters.
2) Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.

First, I have a choice in life: a) join Jesus in his good work and gather people into the protective pen of the good shepherd, or b) lead them in any other “path to God” cause them to operate in fear and scatter. (I said “path to God” in quotes because Jesus is the Way to God, the Truth about God, and the Life of God on earth (John 14:6)). I find gathering under Jesus’ mentorship much more exciting!

Second, we have a verse that is so often misunderstood. Jesus came to save sinners, so how could a sin be unforgivable? In context, he is referring to the sin of calling the work of God the work of the devil. Only God can judge the hearts of men. And this passage says attributing the work of God to the devil is unforgivable. This lines up with passages that talk about false teachers being held to a higher account in heaven. It is misleading to tell people that good is evil, and especially that God’s miracles are of the devil.

So my takeaway is that I want to be found following Jesus and leading people to him and his saving grace. In contrast, false teachers and leaders follow themselves, their egos, and their pride. And they lead others away from God.

Lord, I will serve you faithfully and I love you. Help me to call out false teachers just as you did. And help me to lead many to you!