Luke 11:14-25

content/bible_journal/luke_11:14-25.md

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+title = "Luke 11:14–25"
+date = "2022-12-10"
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+[
+### [Read the passage.](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Lk11.14-25)
+
+Jesus's enemies are still upset at the good things He is doing. They are jealus
+of His popularity and offended by the rebukes He has given them. Preiviously,
+they had put His knowledge of the Law to the test, but they couldn't find
+anything wrong with His answers. Now they attempt to discredit Him with
+accusations of being a Satanist. Others keep asking for a sign from heaven to
+validate His ministry, as if they haven't heard the reports of people being
+healed, the five thousand being fed, the raising of at least two people from
+the dead, and whatever else has been lost to history. (As John says, there
+aren't enough books to tell us all the things Jesus did.)
+
+Jesus shows them that their accusations are baseless. If Satan wishes his
+demons to torment people, he wouldn't also then allow a person to command them
+to desist. Jesus then asserts that He is casting out demons the same way the
+Jews do: through prayer for God's power and authority. He compares a demon to a
+strong man protecting his own palace, but God is able to overpower him and take
+away even the weapons and armor he would have used in his defence. There is no
+neutrality between God and Satan. You are either working for one or the other,
+even if it feels like you are your own person.
+
+Just because an unclean spirit is cast out from a person, if there is
+transformation in them to join God's kingdom, there is nothing to stop the
+spirit from coming back to torment the person again.
+
+* * *
+
+We praise You for ruling with absolute authority even over the spiritual powers
+that hate You. None may fight against Your decrees.