This past semester we have spoken on evangelism and we have been going over the Gospel of Luke during our Monday bible study with the intention of understanding it so that we can teach it instead of just consuming it for ourselves.
In Luke 11 Jesus is casting out a demon that was mute and he was accused of being from the Devil.
“By Beelzebub, the prince of demons, he is driving out demons.” -Luke 11:15
So a guy has been unable to speak for who knows how long and Jesus comes by and casts out the demon that was torturing him. How crazy must that be for the mute guy? How great must that be for his family and friends and people around him? Most people are excited, but some in the crowd don’t seem like they can be pleased by anything Jesus does.
Whispered words start moving through the crowd telling people that this guy who seems impressive actually isn’t that great. In fact, he isn’t only not impressive but he is dangerous because his power comes from Satan.
He is working for the bad guy!
Jesus, however, knows where His power comes from and He knows what is being discreetly discussed among the dissidents.
Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall. If Satan is divided against himself, how can his kingdom stand? I say this because you claim that I drive out demons by Beelzebub. Now if I drive out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your followers drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you. -Luke 11:17-20
He goes on to talk about how if a strong man is protecting his house, the only way to overpower him is to be stronger than he is.
and then V23
He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me, scatters.
People have some grudge against Jesus for healing and say His power is from Satan. Jesus tells them that Satan wouldn’t give power to drive out himself but that He drives them out by the finger of God. The next story is talking about a man in a strong hold that can only be overtaken by someone who is stronger.
Jesus here is talking about Himself being stronger than Satan! He can drive out Satan’s demons because He is more powerful. Jesus is making a claim that He has the power of God!
He then makes this comment that if you aren’t with Him, you are against Him.
Jesus just made the case that He has the power of God, that He is on the side of God, and that He is overpowering Satan. So the people who are speaking against Him are on whose side?
THEY ARE NOW ON THE SIDE OF THE DEVIL!
Jesus has made some huge statements here about His power and what He is doing and the people against Him.
So what can we learn from this to share with those around us?
This chapter has a claim of divinity of Jesus. He has the power to overthrow he who has a strong hold (Satan) and take his possessions (us) and give them as He sees fit and the people who want to fight Him want to stay true to Beelzebub.
I think this was a pretty good day reading chapter 11.
Your Thoughts?
-Zack
Impact Christian Fellowship 