27TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

By the finger of God . . . I drive out demons. 

When Jesus used this dramatic image, his listeners might have recalled two stories from the Hebrew Scriptures. These stories demonstrate—in spectacular fashion—God’s triumph over his enemies and his love for his people.

The first comes from the Book of Exodus. Exasperated at the plagues Moses was calling down upon Egypt, Pharaoh’s magicians warned their king, “This is the finger of God” (Exodus 8:15). Pharaoh’s iron will was eventually broken, and he released God’s people from slavery.

The second story comes from the Book of Daniel. While King Belshazzar of Babylon was sipping wine from a goblet stolen from the Temple in Jerusalem, the fingers of a hand suddenly appeared and carved a verdict of judgment into the palace wall. Mere hours later, Babylon was sacked, and Belshazzar was overthrown.

So when, in the Gospel, Jesus describes Satan as a strong man guarding a palace, we might envision Pharaoh or Belshazzar sitting on their thrones oppressing God’s people. But we might also recall that like those human overlords, Satan has been overthrown by “one stronger than he” (Luke 11:22). That’s Jesus! And Jesus did it with nothing more than the “finger of God” (11:20). It was nowhere near an even match! Jesus is simply that much more powerful than the evil one.

During his life, Jesus entered into conflict with Satan and evil spirits on many occasions. Just think of all the demons he cast out or recall his temptation in the desert. But the greatest conflict—and the most resounding victory—took place on the cross. There, Jesus overthrew Satan’s reign and made a “public spectacle” of his enemies (Colossians 2:15). And he did it, not by entering into hand-to-hand combat, but by the humblest, most powerful act of self-giving love the world has ever seen.

Today, how about spending a few moments praising Jesus for winning this battle on the cross? Remember, you don’t have to be afraid of evil because Jesus, the stronger one, lives within you. He can protect you with just “the finger of God.”

“Jesus, I praise you because you have overthrown Satan and all of his works.”

Joel 1:13-15; 2:1-2
Psalm 9:2-3, 6, 8-9, 16
Luke 11:15-26

WORD AMONG US