Responses, and Responsibility to Truth
#97 in Series: “The Life of Christ – in a Harmony of The Gospels”
In our study of the life and ministry of Jesus, we seek to harmonize the four Gospels found in the New Testament. Following along chronologically, we explore the life, works, and words of our Lord—not only to gain understanding but, I pray, to deepen our love for Jesus. That our soul might truly be satisfied in Him alone, as we just sang. At times, we encounter repeated themes, for Jesus spoke on the same subjects in various settings and times. These repetitions allow us to grasp more detail from different perspectives. In Luke 11, for example, we find a repeated lesson on prayer that also appears in Matthew 7, which we studied back in January of ‘23 in a message titled *Jesus’s Prescription for Prayer*.
The additional note in Luke’s Gospel is the promise of the Holy Spirit to those who ask. Truly, we need the Holy Spirit in our lives daily, moment by moment. I appreciate Keith Green’s song that Anthony just sang about how the Lord left His Spirit with us to carry out His work. While we will skip the first 13 verses of chapter 11 today since they were covered before, I encourage you to spend time in this passage. Web’s outline of the text identifies the priority of prayer (verse 1), the pattern of prayer (the model prayer, verses 2-4), persistence in prayer (verses 5-8), and the promises of prayer (verses 9-13).
Today, we pick up in verse 14, aiming to reach verse 36. Although I have seven main points to cover—and each could be its own sermon—I remind us that Jesus’s teachings are meant not only for our education but also for our transformation. I pray that one part of this text will capture your mind and heart, drawing you into a deeper walk with Him and a desire to live out His truth.
There’s much in this passage. If Jesus hadn’t done what He does here, there wouldn’t be any pushback against Him. But as we know, there’s always resistance to the Lord—for who He is and what He does.
This lengthy passage starts with the authoritative power exercised by Jesus. Verse 14 tells us, “And he was casting out a demon, and it was mute. When the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke, and the crowds were amazed.” In this one verse, we encounter four entities: the all-powerful Jesus, a mute demon, the man who is delivered, and the awestruck crowd. Jesus exercises His authority by casting out a demon, enabling the man to speak again. Jesus’s intervention, rooted in divine grace, demonstrates that nobody deserves God’s mercy—not the man, nor any of us. Yet God, rich in mercy, intervenes for His glory and our good, delivering this man from demonic control.
The crowd’s amazement soon gives way to a defiant response against Jesus. Verse 15 says, “But some of them said, ‘He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the ruler of demons.’” Beelzebul, a false Philistine god associated with filth, had become synonymous with Satan. The Pharisees, in their opposition, blasphemously claim that Jesus operates by demonic power. Verse 16 tells us that others, still wanting to test Him, demand “a sign from heaven.” Ironically, they ask for a sign right after witnessing a miraculous exorcism! This demand was not in pursuit of truth but a reflection of their defiance, seeking ways to denounce and discredit Jesus.
In response, Jesus employs logical reasoning. First, He illustrates this principle: “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a house divided against itself falls” (verse 17). Jesus asks, “If Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand?” (verse 18). His argument exposes their illogical accusation. Jewish exorcists also claimed power to cast out demons; if they considered such acts as satanic, then they’d have to suspect their own. Jesus then declares, “If I cast out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you” (verse 20), signifying that His power is indeed divine.
The “finger of God” imagery, first seen in Exodus 8:19 when Pharaoh’s magicians acknowledged God’s power in the plagues, implies a divine authority that should have reminded the Pharisees of God’s unmatched power. Yet their hearts only hardened further. Jesus’s analogy of a “strong man” defending his home (verse 21) portrays Himself as the stronger man, overpowering the forces of darkness and rendering them powerless.
Jesus then calls for a declaration: “He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters” (verse 23). There’s no middle ground. Each person must decide if they stand with Christ or against Him. In Luke 9:50, Jesus had said, “Do not hinder him, for he who is not against you is for you.” Now, He clarifies: neutrality is impossible. You’re either gathered to Him or scattered apart.
Jesus further explains that mere reformation without regeneration leads to ruin. “When the unclean spirit goes out of a man,” He says, “it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and not finding any, it returns” (verses 24-26). This metaphor illustrates that simply getting rid of a vice or habit isn’t enough. The absence of evil must be replaced by the presence of God. Without the Holy Spirit filling that space, there is a risk of returning to a worse state.
As Jesus continues, an unexpected voice in the crowd speaks up, offering spontaneous praise. “Blessed is the womb that bore you,” a woman cries (verse 27), recognizing the goodness and significance of Jesus. But Jesus redirects the focus, saying, “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it” (verse 28). This is a profound reminder that genuine blessing comes from obedience to God’s Word, not mere admiration or familial connection.
In a crowd growing in size, Jesus declares a profound indictment: “This generation is a wicked generation; it seeks for a sign, and yet no sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah” (verse 29). Jonah’s emergence from the belly of the fish prefigured Jesus’s resurrection, yet even this ultimate sign would not turn hardened hearts. Jesus calls out the wickedness of their unbelief, declaring that people from past generations, like the Queen of Sheba and the people of Nineveh, will rise in judgment against them for their refusal to believe.
Finally, Jesus offers a personal application about spiritual illumination: “The eye is the lamp of the body; when your eye is clear, your whole body also is full of light” (verse 34). In other words, a clear perspective, free of pride and unbelief, enables one to be filled with God’s truth. But if the light within is actually darkness, the soul remains in deception. Jesus warns against self-deception and encourages His followers to live in the true light, radiating God’s truth to others.
So, brothers and sisters, as followers of Christ, we are called to be the light of the world. Let us speak the gospel in everyday conversations and point others to Christ, understanding that opposition is inevitable. May we faithfully live in and share the truth entrusted to us, not hiding the light of Christ.
Are you walking in the light of Christ? Let us be responsible for the truth God has given us, sharing it with others.
Father, we thank You for Your word. Help us to grow, understand, and live by Your truth. Grant us boldness this week to share the gospel with others. May we never hide our light, even if proclaiming Your truth brings persecution. You went to the cross for us, Lord, and died for us that we might know life in You. Holy Spirit, convey that truth to those who need You today. Draw them to Yourself, and give them the courage to declare their faith openly. Strengthen our commitment to carry the light and be faithful until You call us home. Hear our worship and the decisions of our hearts. For Your glory, we pray in Christ’s name, amen.
