Scripture to Read: Luke 11:21–23
Through the miracles He performed, Jesus showed people that He was God in the flesh. But even as He performed miracles, many still doubted. Since some of the people thought that Jesus cast out a demon by the power of another demon, Jesus then said this in Luke 11:21–23, “When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are undisturbed. 22 But when someone stronger than he attacks him and overpowers him, he takes away from him all his armor on which he had relied and distributes his plunder. 23 He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me, scatters.” Jesus used the image of a strong man guarding his house to show that a powerful defender must be overcome for the enemy’s house to be overtaken. Satan represents the “strong man,” and through his power, he keeps people under evil (2 Timothy 2:26), but when someone stronger, Jesus, overpowers the strong man, the strong man’s house can be freed. This reveals Jesus’ authority over demonic powers and His mission to deliver people from them. Then, Jesus makes it clear that whoever is not with Him is against Him. There is no neutral ground between God’s kingdom and Satan’s kingdom. People are either choosing to follow Jesus and His work of deliverance and restoration or they’re opposing it. Jesus’ mission requires a decisive response. We must lead people to Jesus so they follow Him as Lord. To disciple others well requires that we take an active stance, for passive neutrality is not an option.
Challenge & Application
As a Christian, how are you choosing to follow Jesus and His work of deliverance and restoration each day?
When it comes to following Jesus, why is passive neutrality not an option?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!