What Jesus Did! 'They Were Asking for Trouble!' — Luke 11:19

Monday, July 24, 2023

[After some people accused Jesus of casting out a demon by the power of Satan, Jesus continued,] "And if I am empowered by Satan, what about your own exorcists? They cast out demons, too, so they will condemn you for what you have said."
— Luke 11:19 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus had been accused of casting out demons by the power of Satan. In today's verses, his second response to the people's accusation was very simple: If they were going to claim that his power was coming from Satan, then where did the power of other Jewish exorcists come from? Jesus wanted them to understand that if they were going to make that accusation against him, then they were implicating their fellow Jewish teachers who do similar things. While Jesus clearly had power over demons, Satan, and evil, he also had to battle the opponents who accused him. To communicate effectively, he used their own logic and law to help true seekers understand him. While he could never win over his "dyed in the wool" opponents, he could help bring those who were genuinely interested closer to him by helping them grasp his message by using terms they understand as well as by using their forms of rhetoric. We can learn from Jesus how to speak to others more effectively. We must speak in ways others can understand so they can find their way to the truth!

Today's Prayer

Father, help me as I seek to communicate your truth and grace to those who look at the world differently than I do. Help me find wise and effective ways to share your message in a manner that is both completely true to it and also consistent with the way others understand and evaluate truth. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 1 Corinthians 9:20-23
  • Acts 17:22-28
  • 2 Corinthians 4:5

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 11:19 NLT — "And if I am empowered by Satan, what about your own exorcists? They cast out demons, too, so they will condemn you for what you have said."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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