Jesus and Beelzebul March 26, 2014 Share this: Luke 11:14-23 Jesus was driving out a demon [that was] mute, and when the demon had gone out, the mute person spoke and the crowds were amazed. Some of them said, “By the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he drives out demons.” Others, to test him, asked him for a sign from heaven. But he knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house will fall against house. And if Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that it is by Beelzebul that I drive out demons. If I, then, drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own people drive them out? Therefore they will be your judges. Buif it is by the finger of God that [I] drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. When a strong man fully armed guards his palace, his possessions are safe. But when one stronger than he attacks and overcomes him, he takes away the armor on which he relied and distributes the spoils. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” REFLECTIONS ONE STRONGER. Jesus refers to the demon as a “strong man.” As spiritual beings, as “fallen angels,” demons are more powerful than human beings, can possess persons, and can cause a lot of harm. Jesus also calls Satan as the ruler or prince of this world (cf Jn 12:31). Indeed, the demons hold sway on the world. In the Gospel, however, Jesus is + presented as “one stronger.” John the Baptist earlier described Jesus as “one mightier than I” (Lk 3:16). Jesus is stronger than any man, angel or devil, because he is God’s very own Son. And he has come to lay waste the kingdom of Beelzebul, the prince of demons. This he shows by driving out a demon that is mute. Some people, however, have closed their hearts to Jesus. Instead of seeing the miracle as a sign that Jesus comes with God’s authority, and that through him God’s kingdom has come to people, they accuse Jesus of being in league with Beelzebul. Jesus refutes their charge by pointing out that Satan cannot be fighting against himself. “Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for [someone] to devour. Resist him, s teadfast in faith…” SOURCE: “366 Days with the Lord 2012,” .
Posted on: Wed, 26 Mar 2014 14:56:34 +0000
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