A Series on the parables of Jesus – Part 2
A divided kingdom
– the 2nd of 2 blogs
(Click
on the link below to read the verses.)
Luke 11:14-23
[During the
first century, it was common for a rabbi to use parables when teaching their
disciples. The parables of Jesus were stories that he told to illustrate
spiritual truth using some element from everyday life. Jesus used seeds, fish,
trees, bread - things people could easily relate to – for a “teachable
moment”.]
Growing up, my three older siblings all took piano. For some reason, when
it was my turn, my parents never made me take it. Even though I never learned,
I’ve always loved piano music. So, when I retired, it seemed like the perfect
time to become the "Piano Man". Look out Billy Joel!
However, it’s been a slow process that requires discipline and work.
(Thought I was done with that.) For the past nine months, I’ve practiced for
thirty minutes or more, five days a week after lunch. Keeping this schedule
helps me to make sure that I don’t get distracted by other activities.
In other words, to reach my goal of playing the piano, I have to be
single minded.
The topic of being single minded came up early in Jesus’ ministry when he
healed a demon possessed man. Some suggested that Jesus might be the Son of
David. But the Pharisees, most likely out of jealousy and wanting to discredit
Jesus, accused him of being possessed and driving out demons by Beelzebul, the
prince of demons.
Speaking to the Pharisees in parables, Jesus made this point.
17 He knew their thoughts, so he said, “Any
kingdom divided by civil war is doomed. A family splintered by feuding will
fall apart. 18 You say I am empowered by Satan. But
if Satan is divided and fighting against himself, how can his kingdom survive? NLT
Like a court room attorney, Jesus logically argues that what he’s being
accused of doesn’t make sense. Because even Satan is single minded in his
mission to “lie, steal and destroy”.
Then Jesus adds this parable.
21 “When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own
house, his possessions are safe. 22 But when
someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which
the man trusted and divides up his plunder. NIV
In other words, Satan may be single minded, but even at his strongest,
Jesus is stronger. This is why Jesus was able to drive out the demon. Plus it’s
good news for you and me that Jesus is still stronger than the devil himself.
Speaking to the crowds, Jesus then draws his final conclusion.
23 “Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who
isn’t working with me is actually working against me. NLT
Like learning to play the piano, “working
with Jesus” takes discipline and work. And to do that, we must be single
minded.
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