To read the texts click on the texts: Jer 7:23-28; Lk 11:14-23
The onlookers respond to the exorcism of a
demon that made a man mute, in different ways. While there are some who are amazed,
others attribute Jesus’ power to cast out demons to Beelzebul and still others
ask for a sign from heaven. This is an indication that no one doubted Jesus’
power to exorcise and heal. They attributed it to different sources.
In his
response to this charge and test, Jesus says that since exorcisms represented a
direct assault on Satan’s power and kingdom, it is clear that he cannot be on
Satan’s side. Also, if Jesus’ exorcisms’ were performed by the power of Satan,
the same would have to be said of other exorcists belonging to their community.
Instead Jesus’ works indicate that the kingdom of God
In the
simile of the strong man and his castle, Jesus explicates that he is the
stronger one who overpowers Satan who had guarded his kingdom well till this
time. Finally Jesus invites his listeners to take a stand for him. The saying
here is strong. If one does not positively opt for Jesus, one has opted against
him. The time now is for decision and choice.
Once he has answered his critics (11:17-23), Jesus
moves on to exhort his listeners to fill their lives with the kingdom of God,
because it is possible that despite the exorcism, if a person persists in his
old ways, he will be possessed once again and this will be ever worse than
before.
While there is no doubt that Jesus did exorcise
people who were possessed by demons, we must avoid getting caught up with
exorcisms ourselves. Rather, today there are many subtle forms of “possession”
which are more dangerous than “external possession”. Some of these are
consumerism, selfishness, ignorance and a better than thou attitude. We need to
ask the Lord to exorcise these demons from our lives.
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