“Mama, that’s not appropriate for you.” This became a regular phrase I would hear from my teenaged children as they read books for their literature classes or watched assigned films that were rated for mature audiences. The first time this happened was when Mary Grace, a junior at Yorktown High School, had to read Into the Wild, by Jon Krakauer, a non-fiction account of Christopher McCandless's real-life journey into the Alaskan wilderness, where he sought to live a life of simplicity and self-reliance, ultimately leading to his tragic death. I had always read along with her, mostly because I had homeschooled Mary Grace and her siblings for the 13 years prior and had assigned the readings to her myself. I reasoned that if I expected her to read a novel, I’d better read it as well. And that desire carried over to when I was no longer her teacher.
I have always been a visual learner, and when I allow images to enter my mind, it is difficult for me to move them aside. For that reason, my parents did not allow me to watch R-rated movies when I was a teenager. They knew I’d have nightmares and wanted to protect me from that inevitable consequence. I remember thinking when I was in college that I could probably handle going to an R-rated movie and saw “Fatal Attraction.” I was scared out of my skin and had nightmares for a week! I couldn’t handle it and needed to protect myself from images and themes that do not build up, but rather tear down. Thus Mary Grace’s assessment that certain books, shows and movies just aren’t appropriate for me.
Now please don’t misunderstand. I do not avoid real things that the Lord brings before me, unable to deal with the dark themes that often accompany life in this world. In fact, I hear about horrific situations regularly in sessions with my clients. But I have had to be disciplined in what I willingly allow my mind’s eye to take in; otherwise I will be ruled by it. Instead I have to choose to set my mind on things above, on God’s kingdom which is far greater than anything this world has to offer or I will most certainly pay the price!
In today’s reading, we peek into Jesus declaring that His followers do not have to continue being ruled by the enemy, the world’s system or their own sinful selves. Something greater was in their midst - greater than Beezlebub, Solomon and Jonah and most definitely greater than their religious leaders.
Read Luke 11:14-54
Greater Than Beelzebub
As Jesus was casting out demons that had kept people mute, disoriented, even insane, He was accused of driving them out by the ruler of demons, Beelzebub, whose name is literally “master of the house” and refers to Satan. This is ridiculous! Why would Satan want his minions to set people free from his wicked control and finally be at peace? Jesus then claims, “If I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” (v 20) Satan may be strong, but Jesus is stronger and on the move! Jesus was coming for Satan, to attack and overpower him and his tortuous demons. Jesus was taking back all the weapons Satan had trusted in to steal, kill and destroy God’s chosen ones. And Jesus was dividing up the plunder - these free people were His Father’s children, no longer slaves to sin and evil, but free.
Jesus then warned those watching this public scolding of the doubters, “Those of you who have been cleansed and set free from unclean spirits, be careful not to simply enjoy the peace and cleanness you’ve been afforded. Instead fill your mind and heart with the words of God, setting your mind on Him; otherwise the unclean spirit may return with seven more and all move in.” (from vv 24-26)
Have you been set free from a specific temptation that has historically held you hostage, with no clear path to healing? Perhaps sexual sin or other addictions to drugs, alcohol, pornography, food or spending money you don’t have. After the cleansing power of Jesus washes you white as snow, do you fill your time, your mind, your body with those things and activities that will be repulsive to Satan and his tactics? Or do you deceive yourself into believing that you can just do or watch _____ without any negative impact? “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it,” (v 28) who “hide it in their heart so they might not sin against Him.” (from Ps 199:11)
Darkness is the hallmark characteristic of Satan’s kingdom. Gospel Writer John writes, “In him was life and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness and yet the darkness did not overcome it.” (John 1:4-5) Jesus warns that we “take care, that the light in us is not darkness.” (v 35) How do we do this? By being careful what we allow our eyes to see, our ears to hear and our mouths to speak. There are habits, language, shows, songs, movies, and publications that are no longer appropriate for us.
Greater Than Solomon and Jonah
“You want a sign?” Many who were fascinated by Jesus’ miracles were itching to be entertained by more than His stories and model prayers. They wanted something bigger and better - a cosmic sign that He was indeed the greatest miracle worker ever. Jesus reminds them of the two-fold sign of Jonah: first, just as Jonah found himself in the belly of a great fish for three days, so would Jesus be in the heart of the earth for three days. Secondly, of the Assyrian inhabitants of Ninevah's response to Jonah’s preaching. As wicked as the Ninevites were, they repented as a result of Jonah’s preaching, completely turning away from their prior lifestyle and God forgave them completely. Another Gentile leader, the Queen of Sheba traveled all the way to Jerusalem just to hear the renowned wisdom of Solomon. Something greater than Solomon and Jonah was right there in front of them and they didn’t have eyes to see.
Greater than Your Religious Leaders
The Pharisees and teachers of the Law were out of control, oppressing the people with the heavy demands of the extrabiblical regulations of the day. Whether it be ritual washings or tithing every tiny gift of God or requiring preferential treatment because of their religious position, these leaders loaded the people with burdens that were hard to carry, yet they themselves wouldn’t touch these burdens with their pinky fingers. Hypocrisy ruled the day, as these religious authorities claimed to honor the prophets their ancestors killed. Here they were, seeking to discredit, denounce and destroy the very One who is Greater than their prophets - the very One their message pointed to - Jesus Messiah!
Big Picture Questions for Today:
Have you been set free from a specific temptation that has historically held you hostage, with no clear path to healing? Perhaps sexual sin or other addictions to drugs, alcohol, pornography, food or spending money you don’t have.
After the cleansing power of Jesus washes you white as snow, do you fill your time, your mind, your body with those things and activities that will be repulsive to Satan and his tactics? Or do you deceive yourself into believing that you can just do or watch _____ without any negative impact?
Pray to your Heavenly Father and thank Him for the promise that He is greater than anything you or I will face in this world. When fear, doubt, or challenges feel overwhelming, remind us, Father, that Your power within us is stronger than any external force. Help us to trust in Your presence and lean on Your strength instead of our own.
