Prepare: But the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God's purpose for themselves. (Luke 7:30)
Read: Luke 11:14-26
Jesus drove away the demon setting the man free. This evoked different responses from the crowd.
Unbelief: Matthew, while narrating this incident, says that they were Pharisees (12:24) and Mark tells us they were teachers of the law (3:22). Instead of rejoicing over the freedom the man received, their unbelief blinded them. They were talking privately but Jesus, the discerner of man's innermost thoughts, rebuked them openly. He pointed out their foolishness in accusing Him by asking them, 'by whom do your followers drive demons away?'
He went on to say that He, the Stronger one was in the midst, having overcome Satan, who held humankind in bondage. The Kingdom has already arrived with the entry of the Son of God on earth, and there will come a day when Satan will be totally destroyed (Rev 22:10). Let's take note that on an earlier occasion, Jesus pointed out to His disciples that anyone who is not against Him is on His side. now he warned the, that anyone who is not with Him is against Him, i.e., with Saan.
Bad to worse: When a man repents of his sins and determines to lead a new life, he should invite Jesus to take control of his life, leaving no room for anything else. We cannot free ourselves with our own strength from bad habits and friendships, love for worldly pleasures and peer pressures. Jesus, who broke the power of Satan, waits for us to invite Him in so that the Holy Spirit will empower us.
Respond: Spirit of the Living God, fill me with Your power.
Read: Luke 11:14-26
Jesus drove away the demon setting the man free. This evoked different responses from the crowd.
Unbelief: Matthew, while narrating this incident, says that they were Pharisees (12:24) and Mark tells us they were teachers of the law (3:22). Instead of rejoicing over the freedom the man received, their unbelief blinded them. They were talking privately but Jesus, the discerner of man's innermost thoughts, rebuked them openly. He pointed out their foolishness in accusing Him by asking them, 'by whom do your followers drive demons away?'
He went on to say that He, the Stronger one was in the midst, having overcome Satan, who held humankind in bondage. The Kingdom has already arrived with the entry of the Son of God on earth, and there will come a day when Satan will be totally destroyed (Rev 22:10). Let's take note that on an earlier occasion, Jesus pointed out to His disciples that anyone who is not against Him is on His side. now he warned the, that anyone who is not with Him is against Him, i.e., with Saan.
Bad to worse: When a man repents of his sins and determines to lead a new life, he should invite Jesus to take control of his life, leaving no room for anything else. We cannot free ourselves with our own strength from bad habits and friendships, love for worldly pleasures and peer pressures. Jesus, who broke the power of Satan, waits for us to invite Him in so that the Holy Spirit will empower us.
Respond: Spirit of the Living God, fill me with Your power.
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