Mateus 12
William Hendriksen · Citado em PreceptAustin
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Hendriksen - The essence of the sin against the Holy Spirit can be condensed into just one word— impenitence. If anyone is truly sorry for his sins, he cannot at the same time be guilty of "the sin against the Holy Spirit," "the unpardonable sin," for true sorrow is the work and fruit of the Holy Spirit, and shows that this Spirit is dwelling in the heart of that penitent. (BNTC-Lk) Darrel Bock commenting on Luke 12:10 writes that "blasphemy of the Spirit is not so much an act of rejection as it is a persistent and decisive rejection of the Spirit’s message and work concerning Jesus. When a person obstinately rejects and fixedly refuses that message or evidence, that person is not forgiven....The difference between blaspheming the Son of Man and blaspheming the Spirit is that blasphemy of the Son of Man is an instant rejection, while blasphemy of the Spirit is a permanent decision of rejection. Lk 22:65+ and Lk 23:39+ look at instances of rejection, while speeches such as Acts 7:51+ ("You men who are stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears are always resisting the Holy Spirit; you are doing just as your fathers did."), Acts 13:40–49+, and Acts 28:23–28+ show the implications once that rejection is solidified into an attitude. Once the Spirit’s testimony about God’s work through Jesus is permanently refused, then nothing can be forgiven, since God’s plan has been rejected. (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, Luke: 9:51–24:53, p 1141ff). David
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Hendriksen - BNTC-Mt) And He healed him, so that the mute man spoke and saw - The words spoke and saw indicate the healing was instantaneous and complete. The text does not say the demon was cast out, but clearly that is the implication. Jesus once again gives clear evidence of His power and authority over the demonic forces. As the story progresses to the scribes this called for action to squelch the "Messianic murmurings" (Mt 12:23). They could not refute the miracles, so they sought to refute the "Miracle Worker" by attributing His power to Satan! Leon
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Hendriksen - The very fact that Satan’s kingdom is being proved vulnerable—for his envoys are being driven out of men’s hearts and lives—shows that God’s kingdom (see Mt 4:23) is making its presence felt. It is in the process of gaining the victory over the realm of Satan. (Ibid)
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Hendriksen adds that "Jesus by word and deed is depriving Satan of those values which the evil one regards as his own and over which he has been exercising his sinister control (see Luke 13:16+, 2 Ti 2:26+,cf 2 Cor 4:3-6+). The Lord is casting out Beelzebul’s servants, the demons, and is restoring that which through their agency Satan has been doing to men’s souls and bodies....Yes, the devil is being, and is progressively going to be, deprived of his “furniture,” that is, of the souls and bodies of men, and this not only through healings but also through a mighty missionary program, reaching first the Jews but later on also the nations in general (John 12:31, 32; Rom. 1:16)." (BNTC-Mt) Property (4632)(skeuos) refers to the goods of the strong man. To what does this property refer in the context of identification of the strong man as Satan?
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Hendriksen says "For anyone who is truly penitent, no matter how shameful his transgressions may have been, there is no reason to despair (Ps. 103:12; Isa. 1:18; 44:22; 55:6, 7; Mic. 7:18–20; 1 John 1:9). On the other hand, there is no excuse for being indifferent, as if the subject of the unpardonable sin is of no concern to the average church member. The blasphemy against the Spirit is the result of gradual progress in sin." (ED COMMENT: HE SEEMS TO BE REFERRING TO A HEART WHICH GRADUALLY BECOMES MORE AND MORE CALLOUSED AND HARDENED EVERY TIME IT REJECTS THE LIGHT AND RUNS BACK INTO THE DARKNESS - cf "their foolish heart was darkened" IN THE DOWNWARD SPIRITUAL SPIRAL IN Ro 1:21-25+ - NOTE WHAT GOD DID? Ro 1:26+, cf Mt 6:23+) (BNTC-Mt) The true solution is found in Hebrews 3:7-8+ (quoting Ps. 95:7b, 8a "Therefore, just as the Holy Spirit says, “TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS AS WHEN THEY PROVOKED ME, AS IN THE DAY OF TRIAL IN THE WILDERNESS." Notice that it is the Holy Spirit against Whom they hardened their hearts, which is the essence of the sin of blasphemy against the Spirit which Jesus mentions in the next verse. Then in Heb 3:18-4:2 we read the result of hardening their hearts... And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who were disobedient? So we see that they were not able to enter because of unbelief. Therefore, let us fear if, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you may seem to have come short of it. For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard. (Heb 3:18-19+, Heb 4:1-2+) Compare two other warning passages in Hebrews (Hebrews 6 was noted earlier).... How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? (Hebrews 10:29+) See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking. For if those did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape who turn away from Him who warns from heaven. (Hebrews 12:25+) Earlier in the book of Hebrews the writer ask a solemn, sobering question... How will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard, God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will.(Hebrews 2:3-4+) Notice again the mention of the Holy Spirit as integrally involved in giving the Gospel message to lost souls. To shun Him continually throughout one's life is to shut the door to forgiveness! But - This is one of the more strategic terms of contrast in the entire Bible! It sets up the dramatic distinction between different destinies! In essence it is the contrast between Heaven and Hell! Ivor Powell gives us a word of warning regarding interpretation of this passage -- Throughout the history of the church, this has been one of the most difficult texts to interpret. False teaching has thrived on incorrect versions, and often people have become mentally ill, fearing they have committed the unpardonable sin. It must be stressed that the Bible teaches there is only one unforgivable sin, and that is the rejection of Christ. (Matthew's Majestic Gospel) 🙏 THOUGHT - As you will see below there are numerous quotes on the unpardonable sin of blasphemy of the Holy Spirit and you will find that there are different thoughts on the interpretation of this difficult passage. So after having read these and prayerfully pondered Jesus' sobering statement let me give you my "summary" thought of what this text means. I approach it from two perspectives, accurate interpretation and appropriate application. Accurate Interpretation - Many believe this EXACT SIN cannot be committed today because Jesus is not alive performing miracles by the power of the Holy Spirit, miracles which one can attribute to demonic forces rather than to the Holy Spirit, the power of God, the finger of God (Lk 11:20+, Mt 12:28). So this is a logical, reasonable and (I think) accurate interpretation of the unpardonable sin against the Holy Spirit. Appropriate Application - Every text has many applications that can be valid. In the case of the unpardonable sin one could commit only in the first century, I think there is a twenty-first century counterpart. Today the Spirit's work is to (1) testify that Jesus is the Son of God (Jn 15:26) and (2) to convict sinners of their sinfulness (Jn 16:8), a conviction I resisted (cf the Jews in Acts 7:51+ - that was me) until I was 39 years old. Had I continued to resist the ministry of the Spirit, while I may not have overtly blasphemed Him as did the Pharisees, the effect would have been the same, for in essence I would have been calling Him a "liar" regarding His testimony about Jesus. And had I continued in a settled sense to reject the Spirit's ministry I would have been guilty of the unpardonable sin. We all know people with whom we have repeated witnessed about their need for placing their faith in Jesus and they repeatedly resist the Gospel, which is the power of God. And finally one day they say if you keep talking about Jesus, then don't come to my house again. There is a "line" that only God knows, that when men have crossed it because of continued rejection and gradually increasing hardness of their heart, there no longer remains the possibility for forgiveness of sins. And let us be careful to remember that ONLY GOD KNOWS THAT LINE! The writer of Hebrews asked the most searching question I have ever heard about avoiding the "modern day" version of the unpardonable sin - "How will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?: (Heb 2:3+) And Paul would add "Behold, now is “THE ACCEPTABLE TIME,” behold, now is “THE DAY OF SALVATION." (2 Cor 6:2) "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved." (Acts 16:31) And you will never have to worry about the unpardonable sin again! Blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven - In Mark 3:30+ they were saying (imperfect tense = over and over) “He has an unclean spirit.” said So if blasphemy is forgivable, what is it about this blasphemy which is not forgivable? In short blasphemy against the Spirit is an recalcitrant, steadfast, unwavering, unshakeable, stubborn resistance to the wooing of the Spirit (Jn 16:8), which results in a determined unwillingness to believe in Christ even in the face of sufficient (overwhelming) evidence of the truth of the Gospel of Christ. During His 3 years on earth Jesus repeatedly provided irrefutable proof that He was God and that He was empowered by the Holy Spirit, Who enabled Him to perform countless miracles that were impossible to deny, incontestable, and incontrovertible. To blatantly, continually deny Jesus was the Christ in view of such a flood of Gospel light from the Spirit of Truth is a sin that cannot be forgiven. The fact is what else could God have done to reveal that Jesus was the (only) Way, the (only) Truth and the (only) Life through Whom one can come to the Father (Jn 14:6). The unpardonable sin "reflected seeing the Truth incarnate and then knowingly rejecting Him and condemning Him. It demonstrated an absolute and permanent refusal to believe, which resulted in loss of opportunity ever to be forgiven … either in this age, or in the age to come." (MacArthur) Below are quotes and comments from various sources to give you additional insight and understanding the unpardonable sin. Some say this sin can no longer be committed. Others say persistent rejection of the Spirit's wooing while not the exact sin Jesus is describing, nevertheless is unpardonable. Both sides are presented in the quotes below. I particularly identify with J C Ryle who wrote "THIS passage of Scripture contains “things hard to be understood.” The sin against the Holy Ghost in particular has never been fully explained by the most learned divines. (INTERESTING!) It is not difficult to show from Scripture what the sin is not. It is difficult to show clearly what it is. We must not be surprised. The Bible would not be the book of God, if it had not deep places here and there, which man has no line to fathom. Let us rather thank God that there are lessons of wisdom to be gathered, even out of these verses, which the unlearned may easily understand." H A
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Hendriksen explains from the context (always the key to accurate interpretation - Keep Context King) it is clear that what makes this sin unforgivable is "that the Pharisees are ascribing to Satan what the Holy Spirit, through Christ, is achieving. Moreover, they are doing this willfully, deliberately. In spite of all the evidences to the contrary they still affirm that Jesus is expelling demons by the power of Beelzebul. Not only this, but they are making progress in sin, as a comparison between Mt 9:11; Mt 12:2; and Mt 12:14 clearly shows. Now, as has already been indicated, to be forgiven implies that the sinner be truly penitent. Among the Pharisees here described such genuine sorrow for sin is totally lacking. For penitence they substitute hardening, for confession plotting. Thus, by means of their own criminal and completely inexcusable callousness, they are dooming themselves. Their sin is unpardonable because they are unwilling to tread the path that leads to pardon. For a thief, an adulterer, and a murderer there is hope. The message of the Gospel may cause him to cry out, “O God be merciful to me, the sinner.” (Lk 18:13+) But when a man has become hardened (ED: CF "SPIRITUAL ATHEROSCLEROSIS"), so that he has made up his mind not to pay any attention to the promptings of the Spirit, not even to listen to His pleading and warning voice, he has placed himself on the road that leads to perdition. He has sinned the sin “unto death” (1 Jn 5:16+; see also Heb. 6:4–8)." (BNTC-Mt) BUT - As in the preceding passage, this term of contrast presents a dramatic contrast of forgiveness and fates! THE STRIKING CONTRAST WHOEVER WHOEVER Speaks against the Son Speaks against the Spirit Shall be forgiven Shall never be forgiven Whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him - Speaks against the Holy Spirit is synonymous with blasphemy against the Spirit in Mt 12:32. As discussed above, this warning was primarily directed against the scribes and Pharisees who witnessed Jesus' miraculous ministry, and in essence cut themselves off from God's mercy because of their rebellious, recalcitrant, rejection of the Spirit's works though Jesus, even attributing them to the power of Satan. But notice the pronoun whoever which opens the application of this truth to more than just first century scribes and Pharisees! Whoever speaks this way seals eternal destiny! Either in this age or in the age to come - This simply means it shall never be forgiven. Do not misinterpret this phrase to suggest there will be forgiveness in the next life, for that is absolutely not what this is teaching. This is no support for the false teaching of purgatory! All Jesus is saying is that forever and ever this particular sin will not be forgiven. It is as we say today "One and Done!" One sin like this against the Spirit and one is done forever, forever confined to Hell! ILLUSTRATION - During World War II, an American naval force in the North Atlantic was engaged in heavy battle with enemy ships and submarines on an exceptionally dark night. Six planes took off from the carrier to search out those targets, but while they were in the air a total blackout was ordered for the carrier in order to protect it from attack. Without lights on the carrier’s deck the six planes could not possibly land, and they made a radio request for the lights to be turned on just long enough for them to come in. But because the entire carrier, with its several thousand men as well as all the other planes and equipment, would have been put in jeopardy, no lights were permitted. When the six planes ran out of fuel, they had to ditch in the freezing water and all crew members perished into eternity.There comes a time when God turns out the lights, when further opportunity for salvation is forever lost. That is why Paul told the Corinthians, “Now is ‘the acceptable time,’ behold, now is ‘the day of salvation’ ” (2 Cor. 6:2). One who rejects full light can have no more light-and no forgiveness. (John MacArthur) ILLUSTRATION - Aaron Burr was one of the most brilliant men ever produced in the United States. He was a brilliant student at Princeton University, and for over a hundred years the academic record that Aaron Burr had was the record in that great institution. About twenty years ago I went to the campus of Princeton two years for a series of meetings on the campus, and while I was there, there was a young man by the name of Bill Rush. He was in the Princeton Evangelical Fellowship. And the talk among the evangelicals and among their friends was that finally, someone on the campus of Princeton has a chance to beat the academic record of Aaron Burr. This was back in about 1955 or ‘56. Mr. Burr had died around 1840 as I remember, maybe a few years before that. So he was a brilliant man whose record was unusual. When he was on the campus of Princeton, a revival broke out, and he was deeply convicted of sin. His roommate was a Christian, and his roommate urged him to accept Christ. He went to one of his professors, and one of his professors gave him a Bible and he said to him, “Aaron, take this to your room and settle the matter on your knees.” Instead of doing that, he tried to shake off the power of the Holy Spirit in testimony to Christ. And finally, in desperation, as he said later, he cried out, “O God, let me alone, and I’ll let you alone.” He said as soon as he said that, all conviction of sin left him. Many years later, he met a friend whom he admired very much and his friend said, “Dr. Burr, I’d like you to meet a friend of mine.” He said any friend of yours I’d like to meet, too. He said, “I’d like for you to meet Jesus Christ.” And when he said that, the cold sweat – perspiration, we say – the cold perspiration popped out on his forehead, and he told how at the age of 19 he said his prayer in which he addressed to God, God, let me alone and I’ll let you alone. And then he said to his friend, “From that day to this, I’ve never had one desire to become a Christian.” It is possible for me to receive testimony, to reject testimony. They reject it over and over and over again until there comes a time when only judgment can come. See ILLUSTRATION of the French philosopher Voltaire. Norman Geisler - Does Jesus' statement about no forgiveness in this life for the sin mentioned in this verse support the Roman Catholic doctrine of purgatory? Matthew 12:32 Misinterpretation: In this passage Jesus said there would never be forgiveness for blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. From this verse noted Roman Catholic scholar Ludwig Ott infers that this "leaves open the possibility that sins are forgiven not only in this world but in the world to come" (Ott, 1960, 483). Does this verse really support the Catholic belief that believers will be punished for the temporal consequences of their sins in purgatory? Correcting the Misinterpretation: The Catholic use of this passage to support the concept of forgiveness of the temporal consequences of our sins after death fails for several reasons. First, this text is not speaking about forgiveness in the next life after suffering for sins, but rather indicates that there will be no forgiveness for this sin in the world to come (Matt. 12:32). How can the denial that this sin will not ever be forgiven, even after death, be the basis for speculation that sins will be forgiven in the next life? According to Catholic teaching, purgatory involves only venial sins, but this sin is not venial; it is mortal, being eternal and unforgivable. How can a statement about the unforgiveness of a mortal sin in the next life be the basis for an argument that nonmortal sins will be forgiven then? What is more, the passage is not even speaking about punishment, which Catholics affirm will occur in purgatory. So how could this text be used to support the concept of purgatorial punishment? Even The New Catholic Encyclopedia frankly acknowledges that "the doctrine of Purgatory is not explicitly stated in the Bible" (11:1034). Indeed, it is not implicitly taught in Scripture either, since the Roman Catholic use of Scripture to support purgatory does violence to the contexts of the texts employed. If this passage did imply punishment, it is not for those who will eventually be saved (as Catholics believe is the case with those who go to purgatory) but of those who will never be saved. Again, how can a passage not speaking about punishment for the saved after death be used as a basis for belief in purgatory which affirms punishment for the saved? In view of these strong differences, the fact that Roman Catholic scholars cite this verse in support of the doctrine of purgatory indicates the lack of real biblical support for this doctrine. (Correcting the Cults: Expert Responses to Their Scripture Twisting) QUESTION - What does it mean to speak against the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:32)? GOTQUESTIONS.ORG ANSWER - In Matthew 12:32, Jesus solemnly declares, “Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come” (ESV). To grasp what it means to speak against the Holy Spirit, we must delve into the context in which Jesus made this statement. Earlier in Matthew 12, Jesus performed a miraculous healing by casting out a demon from a man who was blind and mute (Matthew 12:22). The crowd was amazed and began to wonder if Jesus could be the Son of David, the promised Messiah. However, the Pharisees, in their hardened unbelief, accused Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons (Matthew 12:24). Their claim was that Jesus was in league with the devil. This accusation prompted Jesus to deliver a stern rebuke. He explained that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand, and if Satan drives out Satan, his kingdom is divided. Jesus further clarified that His power to cast out demons came from the Spirit of God, signifying the arrival of God’s kingdom (Matthew 12:25–28). In this context, Jesus warned about the unforgivable sin of speaking against the Holy Spirit. The parallel passage in Mark 3:28–30 is helpful. In this passage, Jesus states that all sins and blasphemies can be forgiven, except for blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which leads to eternal damnation. The Pharisees’ accusation that an unclean spirit possessed Jesus exemplifies this sin. By attributing the works of the Holy Spirit to Satan, the Pharisees committed an act of deliberate and persistent rejection of the Holy Spirit’s testimony about Jesus. Speaking against the Holy Spirit, in the manner seen in Matthew 12:32, refers to a conscious and resolute opposition to the truth of God’s work through the Holy Spirit. The Pharisees witnessed Jesus’ miracles firsthand, yet they stubbornly attributed His power to demonic forces. They knew the truth, and they rejected it with finality. This sin is unforgivable because it represents a hardened heart that persistently refuses to acknowledge God’s power and grace. It is a total and final rejection of the Holy Spirit’s work, leaving no room for repentance and forgiveness. The severity of speaking against the Holy Spirit is underscored by its eternal consequence. Jesus stresses that this sin will not be forgiven in this age or the age to come; that is, in the current dispensation or in the coming dispensation—the church age. Unlike other sins that can be repented of and forgiven, blasphemy against the Holy Spirit flows from the deepest depravity of the heart and leads to eternal separation from God. The specific act of the Pharisees’ blasphemy cannot be directly replicated today, but the principle remains profoundly relevant. To speak against the Holy Spirit can be understood broadly as a persistent rejection of the Spirit’s conviction and the offer of salvation through Jesus Christ. In John 16:8, Jesus explains that the Holy Spirit will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. Suppressing this conviction and rejecting the gospel message leads to a state of spiritual hardening, eventually making repentance impossible. This enduring principle continues to guide our understanding of the unforgivable sin. Matthew 12:33 “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit. Wuest Either declare the tree good and its fruit good, or declare the tree rotten and its fruit rotten, for by its fruit is the tree known. NET Matthew 12:33 "Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is known by its fruit. GNT Matthew 12:33 Ἢ ποιήσατε τὸ δένδρον καλὸν καὶ τὸν καρπὸν αὐτοῦ καλόν, ἢ ποιήσατε τὸ δένδρον σαπρὸν καὶ τὸν καρπὸν αὐτοῦ σαπρόν· ἐκ γὰρ τοῦ καρποῦ τὸ δένδρον γινώσκεται. NLT Matthew 12:33 "A tree is identified by its fruit. If a tree is good, its fruit will be good. If a tree is bad, its fruit will be bad. KJV Matthew 12:33 Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. ESV Matthew 12:33 "Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit. NIV Matthew 12:33 "Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. ASV Matthew 12:33 Either make the tree good, and its fruit good; or make the tree corrupt, and its fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by its fruit. CSB Matthew 12:33 "Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. NKJ Matthew 12:33 "Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. NRS Matthew 12:33 "Either make the tree good, and its fruit good; or make the tree bad, and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit. YLT Matthew 12:33 'Either make the tree good, and its fruit good, or make the tree bad, and its fruit bad, for from the fruit is the tree known. NAB Matthew 12:33 "Either declare the tree good and its fruit is good, or declare the tree rotten and its fruit is rotten, for a tree is known by its fruit. NJB Matthew 12:33 'Make a tree sound and its fruit will be sound; make a tree rotten and its fruit will be rotten. For the tree can be told by its fruit. GWN Matthew 12:33 "Make a tree good, and then its fruit will be good. Or make a tree rotten, and then its fruit will be rotten. A person can recognize a tree by its fruit. BBE Matthew 12:33 Make the tree good, and its fruit good; or make the tree bad, and its fruit bad; for by its fruit you will get knowledge of the tree. make the good tree, Mt 23:26 Eze 18:31 Am 5:15 Lu 11:39,40 Jas 4:8 and his fruit good: Mt 3:8-10 Mt 7:16-20 Lu 3:9 6:43,44 Joh 15:4-7 Jas 3:12 Matthew 12 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Matthew 7:16-20+ “You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? 17 “So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 “A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. 19 “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 “So then, you will know them by their fruits. AN AXIOMATIC TRUTH Axiomatic means evident without proof or argument, self-evident, self-explanatory. If something is axiomatic, it seems to be obviously true. What Jesus is doing in this section is pointing out the root of the Pharisees' problem, beginning with the axiom that a tree produces after its nature and is easily recognized by its fruit. Given the fact that the Pharisees have just uttered the most damning words a human being can speak, Jesus launches into a discussion of the tongue in Mt 12:33-37, concluding in verse 37 "by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Thus it behooves us to pay careful attention to this section so that we come to understand the importance of our words and how they relate to our eternal destiny! Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit - This is an axiomatic truth, a simple illustration of the truth that a good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit (similar illustrations in Mt 7:17, 20; Luke 6:43–44). Make (poieo) normally means to do something, but that is not the meaning in this context. Jesus is not telling them to make a good and bad tree. First note that both uses of the verb make are commands in the aorist imperative . Second, note that in this context poieo conveys the alternative sense of to think about, to consider, to ponder, so He is saying in your thinking, judging or evaluating, you must be consistent. In other words the idea is the tree and its fruit must coincide - good trees, good fruit, bad trees, bad fruit. Wuest's paraphrase conveys the idea better than most of the more literal translations -- "Either declare the tree good and its fruit good, or declare the tree rotten and its fruit rotten, for by its fruit is the tree known." This is axiomatic or taken for granted and this is what He is commanding the Pharisees to ponder. They are to “Consider the tree good and its fruit good, or else consider the tree corrupt and its fruit corrupt.” In other words, Jesus is saying declare the tree good if it has good fruit, and because of His good works of miraculous healings and exorcisms they should have spoken good words and declared Him a "good tree." Instead, they spoke evil, even blasphemous words and declared Him an "evil tree." But ultimately their words put them in a bind as He pointed out in Mt 12:27. Why so? Because if they said what He was doing was evil, then their own sons were doing evil. But they considered what their own sons did as good. So He boxed them in a corner. They were trapped by their own words. Jesus is commanding them to be consistent because the character of His own life (GOOD) should have been clear to them from the good fruit He accomplished (healings and exorcisms were "good fruit"). Thus they should cAnd by implication, they should have called Him a "good tree" instead of a "bad tree." John
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Hendriksen - "Not to advance means to retreat. There is no standing still." John