What does Matthew 12:25 mean?
The Pharisees have stated that Jesus' ability to cast out demons came from Satan and not from God (Matthew 12:22–24). It's not the first time they've made such a claim (Matthew 9:34). Apparently, they either said this in private, or in a way which did not draw much attention. Here, again, they seem to be making the accusation outside of earshot of Jesus. Rather than indicating He heard them, this verse reveals that He knew their thoughts. The fact that Jesus was able to read their minds should have been further evidence to the Pharisees that He was the Messiah.Jesus begins His counterargument against their charge with logic: Kingdoms divided against themselves are defeated. Civil war doesn't make for powerful nations. Divided cities and houses, likewise, do not stand. They fall. The point, one Jesus clarifies in the following verses, is that Satan would not cast out the very demons he sent out to oppress people. He would only be defeating himself.
Matthew 12:22–32 begins with Jesus healing a demon-oppressed man who cannot see or speak. The passage ends with a controversial, troubling statement. The crowds wonder if Jesus is the Messiah. Some Pharisees say Jesus casts out demons by the power of the prince of demons. Jesus counters their argument with both logic and a harsh rebuke. The Pharisees have missed the truth: the kingdom of God has come. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit—seeing such a miracle and attributing it to Satan—is a sin which will not be forgiven.
Matthew 12 features confrontations between the Pharisees and Jesus over several issues. Among these are working on the Sabbath, healing on the Sabbath, and the source of His power to cast out demons. Jesus counters each argument and rebukes the Pharisees sharply for their obstinate unbelief. He even notes that those who maliciously ascribe His miracles to demons are unforgivable. He warns them, and the rest of their current generation, about the judgment to come. Jesus calls the Pharisees a brood of vipers and rejects their demand for another miracle. All they'll be promised is the sign of Jonah. The Son of Man will be in the heart of the earth for three days. Jesus also states that all who do His Father's will are His family.
