Matthew 12:43-45
“When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it wanders through waterless regions looking for a resting-place, but it finds none. Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ When it comes, it finds it empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings along seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and live there; and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So will it be also with this evil generation.”
Well, if there were ever a few verses in Matthew’s Gospel I’d be happy letting alone, it would probably be these. Not because of the fierce tone. We’ve already heard worse from both Jesus and his opponents. Rather, I’m simply perplexed by what these verses might mean.
I think – huge emphasis on “think” – that Jesus is denouncing the disbelief and rejection he is experiencing from those around him, and particularly the religious authorities. And so he characterizes “this generation” in the terms of someone who had a demon exorcised only to have it return with seven more. Possessed by eight demons! That’s pretty bad.
Except it’s not quite that he’s characterizing them as much as he is anticipating what will happen to them. As we’ve wondered with similar statements before, I think an key question is whether this is an expression of anger or grief. Is Jesus saying that they will end up in such dire straights from a sense of judgment? That is, they will experience the pain and torment of being possessed by eight demons because they have rejected him. Or is he grieving in advance that this generation, lost and unable to see God’s work among them, will be vulnerable to being possessed by whatever demons or spirits come their way?
To be honest, I fear it is a word of judgment even as I hope it is a word of grief and warning. Or maybe these don’t always have to be separated. Perhaps even words of judgment can express grief and disappointment and be used to warn others.
As I said, I would be just as glad not to try to make sense of these verses. Except for one thing: I have at times also been caught between anger and grief, between judgment and sadness. Disappointed by a friend, let down by a loved one, frustrated by events, angry with others and with God, I, too, have struggled to know just what to say. And while I doubt this was Matthew’s intent when he penned these verses and captured this scene, I take some small comfort that God in Jesus understands even these mixed and difficult emotions.
Prayer: Dear God, help us to accept others even when they reject us. Help us to love others when they do not love us. Help us to offer care even to those who do not seem to care for us. We will find this difficult, and so strengthen us in the knowledge that you love us, all of us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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