Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall. If Satan is divided against himself, how can his kingdom stand? I say this because you claim that I drive out demons by Beelzebub. Now if I drive out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your followers drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you.”
(verses 17-20)
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Earlier in his Gospel, Luke has reported that John the Baptist wondered if Jesus really was “the one who was to come” – namely Messiah – or not. So, he sent some of his disciples to make inquiries. Luke sets the context: “At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind” (Luke 7:21). Jesus responds to their queries by simply saying, “Tell John what you see.” In other words, Jesus’ activity is a clear indication that the Kingdom of God is breaking into the world.
At least, it is for those who have eyes to see. But not for those who don’t, like those debating Jesus here in chapter 11. Both Matthew and Mark make it clear these debaters were the religious leaders of the day – Pharisees and teachers of the law. They are backed into a corner because they can’t deny the reality of the miracle Jesus has just performed – casting a mute demon from a man who subsequently regains his speech. The crowd that witnessed it “was amazed”(verse 14), and rightly so. But not these religious leaders. Refusing to believe the miracle’s implications, they put their own spin on the details. “By Beelzebub, the prince of demons, he is driving out demons” (verse 16), they claim.
It’s a desperate ploy. They are radically committed to unbelief. They can’t embrace the truth, so they put forward a false narrative.
It’s a narrative Jesus systematically unravels. Under what logic would a kingdom be divided against itself? It would be shooting itself in the foot. The kingdom itself would be ruined. A divided house will not survive – it will simply implode. What rationale could Satan possibly have for attacking himself?
Further, there were Jewish exorcists of the day who likewise cast out demons. Indeed, they were “followers” – literally “sons” – of these religious leaders themselves. Whether there was a literal blood relationship or not, these exorcists were fully embraced and endorsed. So, Jesus says, if he himself supposedly casts out demons by the demon prince, what does that say about these others? Since their activity is clearly honoured, how can the current argument survive the facts? Will it not be judged and found wanting by these very ones who also claim to cast out demons?
It's as if, with a strong arm, Jesus simply brushes it all off the table. And then he brings the clincher. If my expulsion of demons is real, he says, then it must be “by the finger of God.” And if so, then ah-ha! Clearly the Kingdom of God has broken in upon you.
Such language is loaded with Old Testament significance. In the midst of plague after plague visited upon Egypt, Pharaoh’s magicians tried to keep up with Moses, matching several of his miraculous signs. But then magic failed them – they couldn’t compete. They saw what Moses was doing and blurted out to Pharaoh: “This is the finger of God” (Exodus 8:19). Later, on Mt Sinai, the very tablets of stone Moses received were “inscribed by the finger of God” (Exodus 31:18). Centuries later, the King of Babylon, Belshazzar, watched in horror as “the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall … in the royal palace” (Daniel 5:5) – clearly the act of God himself. And David praises the Lord that the heavens, moon, and stars are all “the work of your fingers”(Psalm 8:3).
Jesus announces that the same active presence of the Sovereign Lord is powerfully at work through him. Open your eyes, he says. Don’t put a false spin on undeniable events. Hear the swell of the music and the crash of cymbals. “The kingdom of God has come to you.”
Yes. Jesus’ works declare it. Yes. He is the Promised One. Yes. He is the Lord.
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Lord Jesus, your opponents refused to open their eyes. But your works undeniably declare it. The Kingdom of God has broken into the world through you. May your kingdom come fully. May your will be done. You are the Lord. Praise your name.
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Reflect:
There is meant to be an overwhelming surprise as these religious leaders are confronted with the reality of Jesus’ presence and works. The Kingdom is here. Where in your own experience do you need that sense of surprise to break in again? Open your eyes to Jesus afresh. Receive his presence. Receive his work.
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Photo by Nick Moore on Unsplash
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