The Ultimate Accusation. (Luke 11: 14-28)

Help me continue making great biblical content for listeners everywhere, everyday at patreon.com/JeremyMcCandless

Key Points:

Extreme Perspectives on Jesus:
Addressing the disbelief in Jesus' existence and the outlandish idea of associating Him with the devil.

The Pharisees' Accusation:
Unpacking the accusations made by the religious leaders during Jesus' time, specifically their claim that He cast out demons by the power of Beelzebub.
Jesus' Logical Refutation:
Exploring Jesus' responses and  highlighting the illogical nature of the accusations and emphasizing His authority over the forces of evil.

The Clever Turn:
Examining the unexpected perspective introduced by Jesus, challenging the accusers to affirm or deny the effectiveness of demonic exorcism.
The Allegory of the Swept House:
Interpreting the powerful illustration of the unclean spirit, discussing the potential for positive transformation and the need for continuous growth post-conversion.

Blessed Even Beyond Mary:
Unpacking Jesus' statement that those who hear and keep the word of God are more blessed than Mary, emphasizing the importance of obedience for spiritual growth.

Conclusion:
"As we conclude this episode, remember that hearing and heeding the word of God is the key to preventing spiritual regression and experiencing true blessings. Join us in the next episode as we continue to unravel the rich teachings found in the Scriptures. If you enjoyed today's exploration, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Until next time, keep seeking wisdom in the pages of the Good Book."

Transcript

The Ultimate Accusation

Luke 11:14-28


I suppose probably the most extreme perspective I encountered talking to people about the Lord is some today claim that Jesus never lived at all. That is a view a significant number of people who I meet with twice a month hold. 

In my view that is a truly outlandish viewpoint. 

But let's take it up a notch, even beyond that there are some who would go so far as to say that Jesus was associated with the devil? 

It's an unusual reaction, and if someone were to make such a claim, it implies a belief in the existence of the devil, whilst at the same time not believing in God But like all things, there is nothing new under the sun. 
So, the question arises: who would express such a thing?

The surprising answer is the religious leaders who lived during Jesus' time did that. It's remarkable that, among all the possible statements they could make about Jesus, they concluded that he was somehow linked to the devil. 

Now, you might be wondering about the relevance of delving into such an odd occurrence from the 1st century in our 21st-century context. Who thinks that way today, well you might be surprised and that is precisely what I'd like us to explore. 
Let's begin by examining the event itself; turn to Luke Chapter 11: 14 where I'll commence reading.


A House Divided Cannot Stand.

14 Jesus was driving out a demon. When the demon left, the man who had been mute spoke, and the crowd was amazed. 15 But some of them said, “By Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he is driving out demons.” 16 Others tested him by asking for a sign from heaven.
17 Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them: “Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall. 18 If Satan is divided against himself, how can his kingdom stand? I say this because you claim that I drive out demons by Beelzebul. 19 Now if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your followers drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. 20 But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

21 “When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe. 22 But when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armour in which the man trusted and divides up his plunder.
23 “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.

An Unclean Spirit Returns
24 “When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ 25 And when he comes, he finds it swept and put in order. 26 Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first.”

Keeping the Word
27 And it happened, as He spoke these things, that a certain woman from the crowd raised her voice and said to Him, “Blessed is the womb that bore You, and the breasts which nursed You!”
28 But He said, “More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”

This scripture passage is quite intriguing, starting with Jesus casting out a demon from a mute man. The accusation that follows is that he performed this act by the power of Beelzebub, which is simply another name for the devil. 

The majority of this first passage is Jesus addressing this serious accusation, but there's a notable interruption by a woman that deserves our consideration.

Let's walk through the story beginning with verse 14. 

Jesus was driving out a demon. When the demon left, the man who had been mute spoke, and the crowd was amazed.
(Luke 11: 14)

Jesus was casting out a demon from a man who was not only mute but also blind, according to Matthew's account. Jesus successfully expelled the demon, and the mute man began to speak. The crowd's reaction is described as being amazed, emphasizing the profound impact of this healing. The Pharisees, however, we see respond differently.

But some of them said, “By Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he is driving out demons.” Others tested him by asking for a sign from heaven.
(Luke 11: 15-16)


This accusation is significant because, despite denying Jesus' deity, they acknowledge the existence of the devil and demons a noteworthy contradiction.

It reflects a the Pharisee’s tendency to even resort to lies and slander when honest opposition seems useless. 

This reflect the human condition in that often people are inclined to think of the worst, and people prefer to hear derogatory information rather than factual complimentary details.

But the question arises: Why would the Pharisees make such an extreme claim? The answer lies in their dilemma, a dilemma that will unfold in the rest of the passage.

The rest of the passage looks into the reactions of various groups to Jesus' miraculous actions. 

The Pharisees and scribes, possibly feeling threatened, accused Jesus of performing miracles through the power of devil, the ruler of demons. This accusation was likely a strategic move to avoid acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah.

Another group, as mentioned in verse 16, sought a sign from heaven, indicating a lack of conviction or belief in Jesus' actions. It's crucial to note that Jesus addresses both accusations, providing answers in the verses that follow.

17 Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them: “Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall. 18 If Satan is divided against himself, how can his kingdom stand? I say this because you claim that I drive out demons by Beelzebul. 19 Now if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your followers drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. 20 But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
(Luke 11: 17-20)

Jesus begins his response in by highlighting the irrationality of the first accusation. He uses the analogy of a kingdom or house divided against itself, emphasizing that such divisions will always lead to destruction and desolation. 

This is not a mere division; it's a self-destructive conflict. Jesus then extends this logic to Satan, suggesting that if Satan is divided against himself, his kingdom would crumble. Thus, highlighting the illogical nature of the accusation.

The point is clear: the accusation that Jesus casts out demons by the power of Beelzebub is inherently illogical.

Verse 19 adds another layer to Jesus' response. He brings up the notion of "your sons," likely referring to others within the religious establishment, or their followers claim to cast out demons themselves. Jesus challenges them, asking, "If I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whose power do you guys cast them out?" 
This further emphasizes the inconsistency in their reasoning.

In essence, Jesus argues that attributing his miraculous deeds to the devil is illogical and self-defeating, both from Satan's perspective and from the viewpoint of those making the accusation. 

This comprehensive response sets the stage for Jesus to address the second accusation in the subsequent verses, which we will explore in the next part of the passage.

The passage unfolds with Jesus introducing an intriguing perspective, suggesting that even those who accuse him of such acts might believe in the effectiveness of demonic exorcism.

This clever turn puts the accusers in a position where they, in a way have to affirm or deny the possibility of casting out demons.

Moving from this perspective, Jesus presents his own viewpoint in verse 20, using the metaphor of casting out demons with the "finger of God." The choice of "finger" symbolizes ease and simplicity rather than force, conveying the supernatural nature of his power. 

21 “When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe. 22 But when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armour in which the man trusted and divides up his plunder.
23 “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.
(Luke 11: 21-23)

He further illustrates his superiority over Satan using the imagery of a strongman guarding his palace. In this analogy, Jesus portrays himself as the one who is stronger than the strongman, overcoming him, taking away his armour, and claiming victory. 

The underlying message is that Jesus is stronger than any forces of evil, demonstrating his authority and power of any evil powers or principalities in the world.

Summing up the argument against the accusation, Jesus asserts that it's illogical for him to cast out demons by the power of Beelzebub because it contradicts Satan's interests. Instead, he highlights his strength, Gods strength, over the forces of darkness.

As the passage continues, Jesus shifts the focus toward the response of those accusing him. He declares, "If you're not with me, you're against me," indicating that their opposition implies a country position to that of God at work in the world. 

The imagery of dividing plunder reinforces the idea that their actions work against the unity and purpose that Jesus intends.

The passage, rich in metaphor and argumentation, challenges the accusers and establishes Jesus' authority over the demonic realm. It sets the stage for further teachings and interactions as Jesus confronts the challenges posed by religious leaders.

Verse 23 delivers a profound truth – there's no middle ground in one's stance towards Jesus. It's a stark choice between being for or against Him, with no room for neutrality. You're either on one side or the other.

24 “When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ 25 And when he comes, he finds it swept and put in order. 26 Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first.”
(Luke 11: 24-26)

Jesus then employs a powerful illustration using the casting out of this unclean spirit as an illustration. The expelled demon seeks rest, finding the house (representing the individual) swept and orderly. The implication is that a change has occurred in the person's life – a form of improvement. 

However, when the unclean spirit returns with seven more wicked spirits, the condition worsens, leading many to interpret this as an illustration of someone who didn't experience true transformation.

Some see the use of the term empty and "swept" house as an indication that the person wasn't truly saved. However, I challenge this interpretation, emphasizing that the cleanliness and orderliness suggest positive changes. 

So does the person worsening condition upon the demon's return truly implies a spiritual regression or a different understanding.

In my view the notion that the house being swept and in order indicates a positive transformation. The idea that an individual will experience a significant change after dealing with our demons in this way.

You see in essence I believe this passage is a allegory, it presents a vivid metaphor which introduces a thought-provoking illustration, that is meant to enrich and add depth to the overall understanding of spiritual concepts of transformation, and warn against the danger of going back to our old ways.

Real life example of an individual struggling with alcoholism or drug addiction post-conversion, adds depth to our understanding of regeneration. Therefore I believe by understanding the nuance of this we are more able to help or encourage individuals who fall back into their old destructive behaviours., post conversation.

The idea that Christians, even genuinely saved individuals, can experience moral regression or serious sin is not always comfortable for many believers to accept. 

However, it is a reality and lived experience of many who have come to Christ and an honest interpretation of the scripture, acknowledging the possibility of Christians falling into serious sin, aligns with my understanding of the text.

You see the emphasis should be on the importance of growth and not just stopping at removing the "demon" but filling the newly swept house with something good resonates with the biblical call for believers to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. 

This understanding of this difficult text then encourages believers not only to avoid sin but to actively pursue a deeper relationship with Christ and spiritual maturity post conversion.

In believe this interpretation adds layers to the interpretation of the passage, emphasizing the need for believers to grow and fill their lives with positive, godly pursuits after experiencing spiritual transformation. 

This perspective challenges a simplistic view of salvation and sanctification, encouraging a more honest understanding of the Christian journey that most of us experience.

So, that's one application; there's another in the passage. 

27 And it happened, as He spoke these things, that a certain woman from the crowd raised her voice and said to Him, “Blessed is the womb that bore You, and the breasts which nursed You!”
28 But He said, “More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”
(Luke 11: 27-28)

How would you like to be more blessed than Mary? Would you consider Mary blessed? I mean, was she special? How would you like to be more blessed than Mary? Because there are people who think Mary is the most blessed person that ever lived, other than Jesus, right?"

Well, Jesus says here you can be more blessed than Mary. That's what that verse says. Look at it. "More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it. 

So, if you obey the word of God, if you hear it and keep it, you will be more blessed than Mary." That’s what, he said? I didn't say that, he did.

I think verse 28 sums up the whole passage. 

You need to hear. That's what the people who accused him didn't do. You need to hear. And if you hear, you'll be clean, and set in order. 

But then you need to obey. Faith comes by hearing. Obedience comes by doing. 
So, to be saved, you need to believe, and to be blessed, you need to do. 
And that's sort of the sum of the passage. 

But if you don't, you could end up worse than when you started. So, the point is, you better pay attention to being obedient. 

So let me sum it up. When accused of casting out a demon by the power of Satan, Jesus logically refuted the accusation and asserted that there is no neutrality. The truly blessed people are those who hear and heed the word of God.

Now, there's a lot in that little summary statement, so let me break it down. Let me make a couple of very simple applications.

Consider Jesus' message: remember, there's no neutrality. You're either a believer or an unbeliever. There's no middle ground. So, if you're an unbeliever, change sides of the street, so to speak, and trust in Christ.

If you receive Christ, beware of ending up morally worse than when He saved you. In other words, to put it another way, if you wish to be blessed, you must hear and heed the word of God.

Now, let me make a connection between those last two points. I think this is the key takeaway I want you to get out of this passage today.

The way to prevent ending up worse than when you started is by hearing and heeding the word of God. I believe the flow of the complete passage indicates that this is what Jesus is emphasizing.

He wants you to hear who He is – not a man using magic powers, but the Son of the living God.

Ultimately Jesus wants you to hear and heed the word of God because that's how you get blessed.
As we conclude this episode, remember that hearing and heeding the word of God is the key to preventing spiritual regression and experiencing true blessings.