He
was casting out a demon, and it was mute. When the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke; and the multitudes marveled. But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of the demons.” Others, testing him, sought from him a sign from heaven. But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation. A house divided against itself falls. If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul. But if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your children cast them out? Therefore will they be your judges. But if I by God’s finger cast out demons, then God’s Kingdom has come to you.
“When the strong man, fully armed, guards his own dwelling, his goods are safe. But when someone stronger attacks him and overcomes him, he takes from him his whole armor in which he trusted, and divides his plunder.
“He that is not with me is against me. He who doesn’t gather with me scatters. The unclean spirit, when he has gone out of the man, passes through dry places, seeking rest, and finding none, he says, ‘I will turn back to my house from which I came out.’ When he returns, he finds it swept and put in order. Then he goes, and takes seven other spirits more evil than himself, and they enter in and dwell there. The last state of that man becomes worse than the first.”
Luke 11:14-26
Luke 11 [11.] “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, he won’t give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? Or if he asks for an egg, he won’t give him a scorpion, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?”
Luke 11 [14.] He was casting out a demon, and it was mute. When the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke; and the multitudes marveled. But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of the demons.” Others, testing him, sought from him a sign from heaven. But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation. A house divided against itself falls. If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul. But if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your children cast them out? Therefore will they be your judges. But if I by God’s finger cast out demons, then God’s Kingdom has come to you.
Luke 11 [21.] “When the strong man, fully armed, guards his own dwelling, his goods are safe. But when someone stronger attacks him and overcomes him, he takes from him his whole armor in which he trusted, and divides his plunder.
Luke 11 [23.] “He that is not with me is against me. He who doesn’t gather with me scatters. The unclean spirit, when he has gone out of the man, passes through dry places, seeking rest, and finding none, he says, ‘I will turn back to my house from which I came out.’ When he returns, he finds it swept and put in order. Then he goes, and takes seven other spirits more evil than himself, and they enter in and dwell there. The last state of that man becomes worse than the first.”
Luke 11 [27.] It came to pass, as he said these things, a certain woman out of the multitude lifted up her voice, and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts which nursed you!”
Luke 11 [28.] But he said, “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God, and keep it.”
Meaning:
- Key Themes:
Demonstration of Kingdom Authority: The primary theme is the demonstration of Jesus' authority over demons, resulting in the healing of the mute man. This act serves as a visible manifestation of the arrival of God's kingdom.
Accusations and Testing: The Pharisees and some in the crowd respond with skepticism and accusations, suggesting that Jesus is casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul. Jesus addresses their doubts and challenges them to consider the logical inconsistency of Satan opposing his own kingdom.
The Finger of God: Jesus asserts that if He is casting out demons by God's finger, it signifies the arrival of God's kingdom. This metaphorical expression emphasizes the divine and authoritative nature of Jesus' ministry.
- Significance of the Passage:
Authority of Jesus: The healing of the mute man and Jesus' response to accusations highlight His authority over spiritual forces. It underscores that His power is derived from God and is a sign of the advancing kingdom of God.
Unity in God's Kingdom: Jesus' argument about a kingdom divided against itself serves as a powerful statement about the unity and coherence of God's kingdom. It challenges the accusations and points to the consistency of His ministry with the divine plan.
Relevance Today:
Power Over Spiritual Oppression: The passage speaks to the present reality of spiritual oppression and the authority of Jesus to deliver individuals from such forces. It encourages believers to trust in the power of Jesus in confronting spiritual challenges.
Discernment and Unity: Jesus' response to accusations prompts reflection on the importance of discernment and unity within the body of believers. It reminds us to recognize the work of God's kingdom and stand united against divisive influences.
Cross-References:
Matthew 12:28: "But if I by the Spirit of God cast out demons, then God’s Kingdom has come upon you." Matthew's account parallels Luke, emphasizing the connection between the casting out of demons and the arrival of God's kingdom.
Colossians 2:15: "Having stripped the principalities and the powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it." This verse from Colossians echoes the theme of Jesus triumphing over spiritual forces through His ministry.
In Conclusion: Luke 11:14-26 portrays a significant moment in Jesus' ministry, highlighting His authority over demons and the tangible impact of God's kingdom breaking into the earthly realm. It challenges accusations and invites reflection on the unity and coherence of God's redemptive plan.