A Kingdom Divided

A Kingdom Divided Will Not Stand

And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: Matthew 12:25 (KJV)

Way too often, some give Jesus the Christ of God attributes that He most likely did not avail Himself of while He walked the earth. One idea that is held, especially among Pentecostal believers, is that Jesus could read the minds of those who were with Him. After all, it is said, "He is God."

While it is true that He was (is) fully God and fully Man, the Scripture tells us in Philippians 2:8 that He kenow, kenoo made His being God of none effect, and deprived of force His God nature to walk among men as man. This word translated "He made Himself of no reputation" carries the thought that He laid aside equality with, and the form of, God.

Where our text reads, "And Jesus knew their thoughts," many suppose that He read the minds of those He was with. The word, eido, however, leaves the impression that this knowing was more that of perceiving with the eyes, paying attention to or observing with the senses. If He did, indeed, know their thoughts, it was because the Father showed Him by His Spirit what they were thinking (Psa. 44:21; Psa. 94:11; Acts 15:8; 1 Cor. 2:11; 1 Cor. 3:20). Jesus communion with the Father was such that He only spoke and did what He heard and saw (John 8:28; 12:49; 14:10).

It is within the context of His human obedience to the Divine dictate that He teaches the danger of a kingdom, basileia, divided. This kingdom is not to be confused with an actual kingdom but rather the right or authority to rule over a kingdom. This is speaking of the royal power and dignity conferred on Christians in the Messiah's kingdom.

The believer must be in the total agreement and harmony with the word (will) of God that produces willing and immediate obedience. A double-minded Christian cannot stand.