Hans Sangtoki Bible Reading: Luke 11:14-23
“Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” (Luke 11:23)
Jesus came to plunder the dominion and kingdom of Satan. He came to earth to invade the rule of Satan over the earth, winning back souls lost in sin. Jesus came to bring war. Although, He fought not with violence and the sword but with servanthood and humility.
When Jesus cast out demons, He revealed how He had power over the dominion of evil. He was unveiling how He was higher than the rule of Satan and that He was the Son of God. Yet, people did not believe that their rescuer had come. Ironically, the Jews did not even know they were in the captivity of the evil one.
The Jews and Pharisees called out, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons” (Luke 11:15). Rejecting the idea that Jesus was God, the Jews could only believe that Jesus was the prince of all demons, that Jesus was Satan.
Knowing their hard hearts and deceitful thoughts, Jesus points out how their logic is absurd. If a kingdom’s leader were against his own people, the kingdom would not stand. So, likewise, the prince of demons would not cast out its own demons — that goes against Satan’s purpose in the first place.
Jesus then challenges the Jews. “But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you” (Luke 11:20). Jesus came to earth to establish His kingdom. He came to attack Satan’s rule over humankind. He came to free men from sin. He came to divide Satan’s spoil.
Jesus points out that there are only two sides to this war. There are only two kingdoms — the kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan. We can only be on one side. Those who are not with Jesus are against Jesus. Moreover, those who are not serving God and advancing His kingdom are scattering God’s kingdom, advancing Satan’s kingdom.
Christ came on Christmas to rescue us from the reign of sin. Have we accepted Him as our Saviour? Furthermore, have we surrendered our lives to instruments for the advancement of His kingdom?
Lord, thank You for saving us from our sin and rebellion. Thank You for Your unfathomable love to us. Please teach us to follow You. Make us Your servants who serve on Your side to advance Your kingdom. Have mercy on us. In Jesus’ name, amen.