The idea of an unforgivable sin caught the attention of many in the class. What does it mean to blaspheme against the Holy Spirit? How can any sin be unforgivable? Putting the passage in context, these words of Jesus follow people suggesting that Jesus is able to cast out demons because he is working for the devil. Initially, Jesus argues that a kingdom divided cannot stand. In chapter 12, Jesus pushes the point farther. If someone sees the work of God i.e. the work of the Holy Spirit, and calls that work evil, there is no hope for them. They have blasphemed against the Holy Spirit. Their blindness keeps them outside of God's grace. However, this blindness need not be permanent. Jesus is being descriptive of the moment, not for all times. Someone may be deaf and blind to my expressions of love, in fact, they may brand everything I do as an act against them. In such a case, our relationship is broken. There is a divide. This is not so much a judgment as a description of where our relationship stands, but it does not mean that the relationship cannot be reconciled. There is always room for repentance. Jesus' intent is to open the eyes and ears of people that they might be reconciled.
Someone in the class also pointed out that the passage speaks of blaspheming against the Holy Spirit as unforgivable, not blaspheming against the Son of Man. We had a long conversation about the implication of this passage. In contemporary terms, we can see this at work when people attack an individual rather than what they have to say. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was often attacked for his character, rather the the content of his message. Jesus separates the two. He said it was forgivable to attack him i.e. can anything good come out of Nazareth, but it was unforgivable to attack the truth of his words and call that truth the words of the devil.
All of this discussion led to a deeper discussion about hearing the word of God. What do you say to people who believe that God has spoken directly to them or believe their interpretation of the Bible is the only correct one? The Bible makes is clear that there are many spirits i.e. voices in the world. It was agreed that the discernment of God's purpose and direction is never easy. Discernment is to take place within the community of faith. From the time I was a boy, I always wanted to be a pastor. I believed God had called me to parish ministry. However, I deeply appreciated all those along the way who helped me discern that call and encourage me to follow that voice of God. As far as scripture, we Lutherans believe that the gospel of Jesus Christ governs all our interpretation. No one passage can be taken out of that context. Saying that, the Bible is uneven. The gospel of Jesus Christ would not have me stone my child for disobedience, even though the Bible would allow me to do so. Again, discernment is critical and the community of faith is the best place for that discernment. Within the conversation of people of faith, the Holy Spirit is at work and the voice of God can be heard.
Peace,
Pastor Summer
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