One of the most shocking statements: For all the good Christ has done He is accused of casting out demons by the power of the devil. The accusations here are from the scribes and pharisees. It’s a blasphemous accusation trying to discredit Christs work. Works which were unquestionably divine. They have been slandering Him for some time. Christ knows it(v17) explains the meaning of the miracles. He calls on the crowds to choose between Him or satan.
Casting out a demon(v14): The multitudes marveled. It was undeniable power. Divine power over satan and his demons. In Matthew it says he was mute and blind. Here we see satan is granted liberty to harm the persons physical senses. Satan can also blind the minds of the unbelieving so they do not see the light of the gospel. He is allowed a lot of leeway. We are entirely dependent on Jesus Christ to set us free. Let us quickly and readily to always pray for grace and blessing. Jesus came to set men free. If Christ can give sight to the eyes He can give sight to seeing the gospel. The great blow to satan was at the cross. Col 2:15.
Opposition rising: here we see them testing him. V16 others sought a sign from heaven. He has already done many miracles. This was placed side by side with the accusation. Jesus will answer this test. This continues today people doubting Christ and slandering His name. In the book of Mark even His relatives didn’t believe in Him and wanted to bind Him in a house arrest. Only 2 options here. He is either from God or from Satan. They can’t accept that He is from God so they say He is from satan. Horrible accusation. Beelzebub came from Baal “the god of the high place” — this is a god of the gentiles. Here the Jews use it to describe Jesus. “Beelzebul” They made a play on words that He is “the lord of the dung heap” “Beelzebul”- This is vile slander.
Jesus’ rebuttal(v17): He responds to their false reasonings. Their hearts are hardened. He knows their thoughts.
1. he attacks their reasoning. He points out their absurd argument. (v18) – kingdoms do not survive when they are divided. Everyone knows this. Satan isn’t going to cast out Satan.
2. Jesus says they are hypocrites – if Jesus is casting out demons by Satan then they must also be casting out demons by satan because they did exorcisms.
3. Tells us the meaning of the miracles. Jesus casting out demons was the demonstration of the power of God and that the kingdom of God has come in Christ. Let us acknowledge that the kingdom arrived at His coming. He must reign until all His enemies are His footstool. In Mat 12:28 it is the Spirit of God here it’s the finger of God. We see this language of the old testament Exodus 8:” “this is the finger of God” connecting with Moses. Here we see satan is a strong man. Jesus is stronger. He has come to defeat His power, and His rule. Jesus takes his property and possessions. Satans kingdom is being conquered. Satans possessions are people. Jesus came to save sinners. He continues to do this today through the gospel of the kingdom. Eph 4:8.
4. The strong warning(v23): there is no neutrality. It’s a warning to anyone who would believe the lie of the pharisees. A strong warning for any who want to remain neutral. All who were against Him were with satan. The argument was turned around. The duty of those in authority was to gather sheep but they are scattering the sheep. The pharisees should have been shepherds instead they were wolves.
Let us be sure we are with Him.
Ephesians 4:8 (NKJV) Therefore He says: “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men.
Exodus 8:19 (NKJV) Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This [is] the finger of God.” But Pharaoh’s heart grew hard, and he did not heed them, just as the LORD had said.
Luke 11:14-23 (NKJV) 14 And He was casting out a demon, and it was mute. So it was, when the demon had gone out, that the mute spoke; and the multitudes marveled. 15 But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.” 16 Others, testing [Him,] sought from Him a sign from heaven. 17 But He, knowing their thoughts, said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and a house [divided] against a house falls. 18 “If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? Because you say I cast out demons by Beelzebub. 19 “And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast [them] out? Therefore they will be your judges. 20 “But if I cast out demons with the finger of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. 21 “When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace. 22 “But when a stronger than he comes upon him and overcomes him, he takes from him all his armor in which he trusted, and divides his spoils. 23 “He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters.