THE GREATEST SIN
Matthew 12:22–32
One of the greatest joys of my life is writing these Sunday School helps each week for The Baptist Paper. I have been able to share my love of writing while encouraging people, digging deeper into God’s Word and hopefully helping others along the way.
However, I must confess something about me that you do not know. Prepare to be shocked. Back in the summer of 1983, I committed a crime that I still recall from time to time. I was 5 years old, and the scene of the misconduct was the local Piggly Wiggly. While with my dad in the checkout line, I asked for a Kit Kat. My dad told me no, and that should have been the end of the story.
Unbeknownst to him, I then slipped the candy bar into my pocket and got in the vehicle to return home. For reasons I will never understand, I took the Kit Kat from my pocket and attempted to eat it in front of my dad. He immediately turned around and took me back to the store to face the manager. Suddenly, fear set in. Would they call the police? Would I go to jail? The manager was gracious enough but also reminded me that stealing is wrong.
My short-lived life of crime had come to an end. At that point in my life, it was my greatest sin. While something as minor as a candy theft may not register as catastrophic in the legal system, we are all sinners.
You and I may rank sinners differently, but there is no doubt that the most egregious is the one who never trusts Christ for salvation. It is the shared sin of all who will spend an eternity without Him.
The work of Christ points to the power of God. (22–23)
It is impossible to read about the life of Jesus and not walk away amazed by His power. The gospel records are filled with the miracles of Christ and His love and compassion for others.
Miracles are never designed to impress a crowd or draw an audience. The chief purpose of miracles is to display the grace of God and point people to Him. The people in the days of Jesus were eyewitnesses to the supremacy of an Almighty God.
The work of Christ points to the presence of God’s Spirit. (24–29)
People are prone to judge or dismiss what they do not understand or cannot relate to. Critics attributed the miracles of Christ to the work of Satan. This accusation is not only erroneous but also blasphemous.
We must be careful when we speak about the ways of God. We can be doctrinally straight as an arrow but also ignorant when it comes to the mind of God. The methods of the Father are not subject to our logic or understanding.
Willful and persistent unbelief means there will be no forgiveness. (30–32)
Jesus makes it clear there is one sin that will not be forgiven — the sin of rejecting and blaspheming the Holy Spirit. Salvation is not possible without the Holy Spirit.
He uses many methods, modes and means, but anyone who refuses to yield to the conviction of the Spirit will die in their sins and be separated from God and from eternity with Him. A dismissal of God leads to eternal damnation.
My friend, the souls of our friends and families are at stake. Our great Savior will forgive you at a moment’s notice of any great sin in your life. Trust Him now.
By Bobby McKay
Pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi
