What To Say? (Luke 12:11-12)

 


Thursday, March 13, 2025


Psalm 35:1-17

Genesis 41:37-57

Luke 12:8-21


What To Say? (Luke 12:11-12)


Today, Jesus is continuing his teaching about how we ought to bring our thoughts and our words into alignment.


We begin with some words of his that have caused no end of discussion and angst: that there is something we could do that is beyond the scope of his forgiveness. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is unforgivable, a saying of Jesus that appears in Matthew and Mark’s gospel, as well as being referred to in Hebrews and 1 John.


This is a terrifying concept – that there is something for which Jesus does not forgive. The Biblical testimony would seem to teach us that this is the only thing for which we cannot be forgiven, so let’s get that out of the way. The vilest offender who truly believes, a pardon from Jesus that moment receives. Let us continually remember that the forgiveness of God is readily available for all who turn to Jesus.


So what is this crime, this sin, that is greater than anything else we humans have ever done, or could ever do? Let’s consider it in the context of what we read yesterday, and what Jesus continues to teach us today. We have been looking at the fact that we so often think one thing and say another. Or, what we whisper in gossip is different to what we proclaim in public. Jesus makes this point clear when he speaks of his return: whoever acknowledges him before men, he will acknowledge before the angels. Yet he is also supremely merciful and sympathetic of our human weakness: everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven. I wonder if St Peter remembered this words after the resurrection? We can admire the boldness of the apostle in light of the forgiveness he received.


Yet whoever blasphemes the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. It seems there is a contrast: speaking a word against the Son of Man is the public declaration; blaspheming the Holy Spirit happens in the secrecy of the human heart. And Jesus is far more concerned with the inner person than the outer. We only need to consider his railings against the dry ritualism of his day to see that.


Jesus’ warnings always follow up with an encouragement, and his encouragement is to those who find themselves suffering persecution. If you do bring together your inner and outer selves, worshipping the Holy Spirit dwelling with your spirit, revealing that in your public declaration of Christ Jesus, then you are blessed, but the world will not like it, and you may find yourself suffering persecution. But in that moment, do not worry – because the Holy Spirit is full of the grace of God and, bringing out of the store-house of your inner self, give you words to say in public that bring glory to God.


What is your relationship with God the Holy Spirit? Do you love him as your Lord? Does he bring you to a deeper love of Jesus?


Holy Spirit, Lord and giver of life: teach me of the love you have for me, by drawing my heart closer to Jesus, and giving me words to speak of him in public, so that all may know of your truth, and that I may be acknowledged before the angels by the Son of Man, in whose name I pray.

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