Luke 11:17-22

Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Take a moment to settle into your surroundings and then begin to recognize your breath. As you breathe in, call on the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.

Recall our last passage, Luke 11:14-16, and then read today’s passage, Luke 11:17-22, stopping to think about anything that seems unclear.

Having witnessed the restoration of a demon tortured man, some of the people in the crowd conclude that the source of Jesus’ power is evil, and others insist that Jesus prove himself further. In characteristic fashion, Jesus goes below the surface of the accusations and the demands and addresses the core issue – the inability (or refusal) of these people to open their eyes and see what is right in front of them.

He first points out the illogical nature of their conclusions and says, in essence, Think about it! Evil isn’t interested in the restraint of evil – evil gains power by the proliferation of evil as people reject what is good either by conscious choice or careless inattention.

Many Jesus followers practice a regular time of confession as part of their corporate worship, and the prayer many congregations pray is a potent reminder of our desperate need for Jesus. Take a while to meditate on the words of this prayer and consider making it your own today:

“Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone.

We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.

We are truly sorry and we humbly repent.

For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name.”

Read Luke 11:17-22 again.

Since the first act of human rebellion distorted the good and perfect ways of God, the power of evil has ensnared people and held them captive. As we yield to evil, it snowballs gaining more power as we succumb to its pull, and it becomes a prison we cannot escape on our own.

Only God has the power to constrain the pull of evil and free us from its grip. And in God’s Kingdom, evil is not simply restrained, it is obliterated by God’s goodness.

Get still and let Jesus’ words from this passage sink in:

“…if I am casting out demons by the power of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you.”

Now simply listen.

What are you hearing from Jesus today?

What will you do about that?

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The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.