The Strong Man

When I was a kid, our house was broken into. If I remember correctly, we were coming home from Dickson. When we got home, we found the house had been robbed. The screen door on the second floor on our deck had been cut. I do not remember everything they stole, but I remember they got my safe bank. I also remember my dad being upset and wishing he had been at home instead of work. Why? He would have done what he could have to stop them. I think that is what Jesus is referring to in Luke eleven. In verse twenty-one, he talks about the strong man guarding his possessions. The only way the strong man's possessions are taken away is if someone stronger comes to steal his possessions. Why is Jesus talking about strong men guarding their possessions?

The reason is found earlier in the chapter. In verse fourteen, Jesus cast out a demon. People began to accuse Him of casting out demons by the power of demons (Beelzebul). Jesus, in essence, says that does not make any sense. Why? Because a house divided against itself will not stand. Think about a family where the father is doing what is best for him, the mother is doing what is best for her, and the kids and grandparents are doing what is best for them. How long do you think that house (family) will last? Not long. Look at the state of marriage and families in our world today for proof. On a side note, this is a great lesson for the church to be unified in Christ. It would not make sense to cast demons out by the power of demons.

In the middle of this, some are asking for a sign. Here is your sign: you just saw a demon cast out. how did you miss that? I think that is what Jesus is saying. you saw a demon cast out, not by a demon but the strong man. Satan is a strong man you have not been able to defeat, and yet Jesus has. Jesus is the strongest. Jesus is God.