The Kingdom of God Has Come Upon You (Luke 11:15-26)
In today's gospel, we witness Jesus confronting accusations that shake the very foundation of his ministry. After casting out a demon, some in the crowd suggest his power comes from Beelzebul, the prince of demons. Others demand a sign from heaven, testing his authority.
Jesus responds with profound logic that cuts through their skepticism: "Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house will fall against house." If Satan were casting out Satan, his own kingdom would crumble from within. The accusation simply doesn't hold water.
The Finger of God
But Jesus doesn't stop at mere defense. He makes a revolutionary claim: "If it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you." This moment isn't just about exorcism—it's about recognizing that God's reign has broken into human history through Christ.
The phrase "finger of God" echoes the Old Testament, where it described the divine power that wrote the Ten Commandments and worked miracles in Egypt. Jesus is asserting that the same divine power now works through him, establishing God's kingdom on earth.
The Stronger One
Jesus uses the image of a strong man guarding his palace until someone stronger comes to overpower him. Satan may appear strong, but Christ is stronger. When the stronger one arrives, he strips away the armor and claims the spoils. This is exactly what Jesus accomplishes through his ministry—binding the strong man and liberating those held captive.
The Danger of Spiritual Emptiness
The gospel concludes with a sobering warning about spiritual emptiness. When an unclean spirit leaves someone, it seeks rest in arid places. Finding none, it returns to find its former home "swept clean and put in order" but empty. It then brings seven more spirits, making the person's condition worse than before.
This parable warns us that spiritual cleansing without spiritual filling leads to greater bondage. It's not enough to remove evil from our lives—we must invite the Holy Spirit to fill the void. An empty heart is an invitation for darkness to return with reinforcements.
Taking Sides
"Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters." Jesus presents us with a choice that allows no neutral ground. In the cosmic battle between good and evil, indifference is alignment with opposition.
Living the Gospel Today
Today's reading challenges us to examine our own spiritual houses. Are we merely swept clean, or are we filled with God's presence? Do we recognize Christ's authority in our daily struggles against temptation and sin? Are we gathering with Jesus or scattering?
The Kingdom of God has indeed come upon us through Christ. The question is whether we will acknowledge his authority and invite him to guard our hearts, or leave ourselves vulnerable to the return of what we thought we had overcome.
In a world that often seems divided against itself, we find hope in Jesus—the stronger one who has already won the victory and offers to share that victory with all who align themselves with him.