12.23 Healings and miracles are signs of God’s anointing; or they are provocations. Compare 23-24 with 9.33-34.
12.30 Again, Jesus not only defeats the learned Pharisees in argument (27) but draws out principles of strategy in spiritual warfare (29), forgiveness (31-32) and moral conduct (33-37).
12.38 This was gratuitous, like asking a conjuror to perform. In Jesus Christ Superstar, Herod sings “Prove to me that you’re no fool: walk across my swimming-pool!”
12.48 This was not so much a pointed insult to his family (as critics allege) but a recognition of new relationships in the kingdom of God
I love the way Tom points out where the true enemy lies: “choose your battles carefully”! Also how refusing temptation early on, clears the way for fruitful work in the days and years to come: we might think these are private matters, but they have public spiritual consequences. Finally, a great explanation of the unforgiveable sin – thank you, Tom!
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