Knowing The Word in Luke 11:14-23

Jesus and Beelzebul

11:14 Now he was casting out a demon that was mute. When the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke, and the people marveled. 15 But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons,” 16 while others, to test him, kept seeking from him a sign from heaven. 17 But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls. 18 And if Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul. 19 And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. 20 But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. 21 When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are safe; 22 but when one stronger than he attacks him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted and divides his spoil. 23 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.

Comments

Luke gives us a simple description of a healing that becomes controversial. It seems that Jesus’ power over demons was never in question and was an accepted fact, even by his opponents. But the healing of a mute man was not enough for them. They accused Jesus of using the power of Satan to heal! The origin of the name “Beelzebul” is likely a Hebrew derivative of a Canaanite god the Hebrews derogatorily translated to mean “the lord of dung.” Jesus understood them to be using this name as another name for Satan. In response, Jesus constructed a logical argument against them to show the utter failure of their understanding. Why would Satan exorcise a demon? Satan battles the forces of good, not his own evil forces.

Jesus says the kingdom of God is to be seen and experienced in the power that expels the forces and presence of evil. The kingdom is not good advice or pious practices. Instead, the in-breaking kingdom of God is like a “strong man” (Satan), who has taken people into bondage, encountering one stronger than he (Jesus), who binds the strong man and rescues the people. Evil has a strong grip on people, but when the kingdom of God comes in the grip is broken. For Jesus, there is no neutrality. When a person sees what the kingdom does and means, he is either for it or against. He either joins in bringing the flock of Christ together or works to scatter it.

Application

Do you believe that Satan exists? Why or why not?

C. S. Lewis famously wrote this in The Screwtape Letters: “There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors and hail a materialist or a magician with the same delight.”

Prayer

Jesus, I cling to you when tempted by the world and when assaulted by demonic forces. I know that in you I am safe today and forever more.