What Jesus Did! 'Jesus Is Stronger' — Mark 3:22-27

Thursday, February 22, 2024

But the teachers of religious law who had arrived from Jerusalem said, "[Jesus is] possessed by Satan, the prince of demons. That's where he gets the power to cast out demons."

Jesus called them over and responded with an illustration. "How can Satan cast out Satan?" he asked. "A kingdom divided by civil war will collapse. Similarly, a family splintered by feuding will fall apart. And if Satan is divided and fights against himself, how can he stand? He would never survive. Let me illustrate this further. Who is powerful enough to enter the house of a strong man and plunder his goods? Only someone even stronger — someone who could tie him up and then plunder his house."

— Mark 3:22-27 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus made it clear that his ability to cast out demons came from one source: himself! He is more powerful than the demons could ever imagine him to be. They can't stand up to his presence and power. Jesus is stronger than demons and demonstrated it again and again.

Today's Prayer

Father, I trust in Jesus' power to save from all forms of evil, sin, and bondage. I open my heart to let him reign over my emotions and desires. I open my mind so that he can purify, redeem, and control my thoughts. I open my soul so that he can rule in every area of my being. Thank you for sending your Son as my Savior, my Lord, and my Almighty King. In his name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Matthew 28:18-20
  • Colossians 1:11-14
  • Hebrews 2:17-18

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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 3:22-27 NLT — "[Jesus is] possessed by Satan, the prince of demons. That's where he gets the power to cast out demons."

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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