Notes on Luke 11:13-13:9

Luke 11:13

evil. Jesus assumed the sinful nature of humanity (Gen. 3; Rom. 3:10-23; 5:12-14). This does not mean people are as bad as they could be, or that they always act wickedly. Holy Spirit. God the Spirit, the third Person of the Trinity. Father gives his Spirit to his people when they put faith in Christ (John 14:16; 15:26; Acts 1:8; 2:38). He is the One the Father sends to convict us of sin, to bring understanding of the gospel, and produce faith in our hearts towards God (John 1:12-13; 3:5; 1 Pet. 1:3). It is by the Spirit that they call out to God in prayer as Father (Gal. 4:6-7). give. Christians do not get more of the Spirit over time. But they can be more sensitive to his presence. Believers can hinder his work by sin (Eph. 4:30) or yield more to his work by responding to Scripture (Eph. 4:30; 6:17; Heb. 4:11-13). God's people should ask for the Spirit's active presence in their lives (see John 14:13-14; Rom. 8:13, 16; Gal. 5:22-25). He is the best gift the Father can give to Jesus' disciples. See WLC 189, 196; WSC 100; BC 7.

Increasing Conflict - Luke 11:14-13:9

Jesus demonstrated his authority and power over evil spiritual forces and brought relief to those suffering.

Luke 11:14

mute. Not the demon, but the man who affected by the demon.

Luke 11:15

Beelzebul. Ancient name for a pagan deity. The term is used in the Old Testament (2 Kgs. 1:2, 6) as well as in the secular literature. Eventually, the Jews used this name for one of the chief demons, or as here, Satan, the ruler of demons. driving out. Jesus' critics did not deny his power over demons. They spoke blasphemously about the source of his power.

Luke 11:16

Even miracles will not overcome hardness of an unbelieving heart (see 16:26-31; Exod. 8:9; Matt. 28:11-15).

Luke 11:17-18

knew. See note on 6:8. divided. Both countries (kingdom) and families (house) cannot survive internal fighting. Likewise, Satan would not work against his own purposes.

Luke 11:19

Jesus pointed out the inconsistency of his critics. sons. Hebrew expression for disciples or followers. The critics had followers who reportedly cast out demons as well. However, it is unlikely they could actually perform such miracles. judges. Because they condemned Jesus but not their own disciples, their disciples would be witnesses against their hypocrisy on the last day (12:10; Mark 3:28-30).

Luke 11:20

finger of God. The direct work of God himself. The same expression the Egyptian magicians used to describe the plagues God sent before the Exodus (Exod. 8:9). God is the source of Jesus' power and authority over demons. kingdom . . . has come. Jesus' ministry was a sign of the kingdom's presence (see notes on 4:43; 9:27).

Luke 11:21-22

strong man. A picture for Satan (v. 15). stronger man. A picture of Jesus. overcomes. As the Lord's Servant, Jesus entered into Satan's realm (John 12:31; 2 Cor. 4:4; Eph. 2:2) with a mission to save (Isa. 49:24-25). Jesus bound Satan and plunders (rescues) people for himself (Col. 1:13-14).

Luke 11:23

Those who labored for the same things as Jesus were his friends (see notes on 9:49-50). But those who taught the source of his power was Satan (v. 15) were against him.

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