Luke

Is God good?  Yes indeed (Psalm 145:9)!  But in Jesus' day there was little confidence about that.  The country was occupied by the Roman army, their taxes supported a pagan Emperor, and their King was a puppet ruler who had little interest in praying for God's Messiah to come.  Their circumstances had defeated their confidence in God's Word; their religion was formal, their prayers were obligations, and their hope was exhausted.  That may be true of you also.

It seems bizarre that Jesus could be accused of using evil powers to cast out demons.  His exorcism ministry was well known (Luke 4:36-37): those who had previously been held captive by Satan had been released to live a healthy and productive life in the community (Luke 8:38-39). Why did they not attribute such healing to the power of God?  If even the demons recognised that Jesus was the Son of God (Luke 4:41), and the ordinary people saw the obvious miracles and praised God (Matthew 15:30-31), why did the religious leaders fail to understand the source of His power?

Jesus had just cast out a demon who had made a man unable to speak (Luke 11:14).  The religious leaders could not deny that the miracle had occurred and that the mute man was now able to speak, so they accused Jesus of performing exorcisms by the power of Satan.  It was the religious establishment's way of discrediting the Son of God, and retaining their own power-base.  

Jesus needed to teach the disciples about the most important reality of Satan's authority - it is limited, and easily overpowered by God.  Exposing the illogicality of the Jews' assertion that He had cast out demons by the devil's permission (Luke 11:15-20), He used the simple example of household security guards.  If they are stronger than would-be robbers, then the house is safe.  But if somebody with superior strength comes, the house is vulnerable to whatever the stronger man wants to do.

Some people ask others, ‘Where do you stand ...’ on this idea or that.  It is often a difficult question to answer because we may not have full knowledge, or we may have not thought through the issue properly; or we may be in a process which is not yet completed. Yet it is important to be certain about what we can be sure of.  Jesus makes two statements in this verse: one is about a thought-through position, the other is about an intentional process.  To be ‘with Jesus’ is not a physical description about location but a personal affirmation of relationship.

Jesus' approach to casting out demons was a big puzzle for those who did not want to welcome Him as the Son of God. They questioned His authority, and even suggested that He used Satan's power to remove evil spirits (Luke 11:15).  Then Jesus told them a story: He wanted them to think about what happens after the demons make their exit.  God always works to perfection, and does not remove evil just to allow more evil to invade a person.

There is no doubt that the influence of godly parents has a profound effect on their children.  God intends parents to teach their family about Him and what He requires of people (Deuteronomy 6:4-7).  So where did Jesus, the Son of God, receive His understanding of His Father?  Certainly, Mary and Joseph would have taught Him from the Old Testament Law, but when He was only twelve, Jesus debated with the Temple leaders (Luke 2:46-50) with knowledge, wisdom and authority that was implicit in His relationship with Father God.

Jonah has a special place in Jesus' teaching ministry.  He is mentioned in eight verses of the Gospels in connection with his miraculous deliverance from the belly of the great fish after three days (the first ‘sign of Jonah’ which prophesied the resurrection) and his preaching (the second sign prophesying the potency of the gospel to those who believe and repent).

Jesus was criticised for being obvious, outspoken, and direct.  His miracles attracted a lot of admiration, but His explanations fuelled accusation and condemnation.  Nobody minded Him healing, feeding them or even casting out demons; but they, and especially the religious leaders, resented His claim to be God's Messiah with a greater authority than them.  But wherever He went Jesus was the Light of the world whose presence revealed the thoughts and intentions of people’s hearts (John 8:12).

Our eyes are most important.  They receive information which enables us to control the rest of our body.  For instance, when we are crossing a road, seeing traffic coming towards us will stimulate a set of responses to avoid the danger; and seeing loved ones will prepare us to serve them.  Eyes gather information to shine into our mind, soul and spirit.