What is the meaning of Luke 11:20? But - The single word opens with a sharp contrast. Jesus has just refuted the charge that He casts out demons by Beelzebul (Luke 11:14-19). - By saying “But,” He overturns their accusation and redirects the focus from darkness to light, just as John 1:5 shows light overcoming darkness. - The contrast underscores two kingdoms in conflict—Satan’s versus God’s (Colossians 1:13). if I drive out demons - Jesus points to an observable fact: demons really are being expelled (Luke 4:35; 7:21). - This is not theory. It is a public demonstration that evil spirits submit to Him (Mark 1:27). - Such deliverances verify Isaiah 61:1, where Messiah frees captives. - The “if” is not doubtful; it is rhetorical: “Since I drive them out…” by the finger of God - The phrase recalls Exodus 8:19, where Egyptian magicians confessed, “This is the finger of God.” Just as plagues proved God’s supremacy over Egypt, exorcisms prove His supremacy over Satan. - “Finger” highlights effortless power. God does not need an army; one finger suffices (Psalm 8:3’s “work of Your fingers”). - It also echoes the tablets “written with the finger of God” (Exodus 31:18; Deuteronomy 9:10), linking Jesus’ acts with divine authority behind the Law. then the kingdom of God - Jesus connects the miracles to the arrival of God’s reign. Whenever the King acts, the kingdom is present (Matthew 12:28, the parallel verse). - Signs and wonders are kingdom evidence (Hebrews 2:4). - The kingdom is not mere future hope; Jesus announces it as present and advancing (Luke 17:21). has come upon you - The verb is decisive: God’s rule has already broken in. Listeners stand face-to-face with it (Mark 1:15). - “Upon you” is personal. Spectators cannot stay neutral (John 3:19-21). - Acceptance means freedom and life (John 8:36); rejection invites judgment (Luke 10:10-12). summary Jesus’ expulsion of demons is living proof that God’s overpowering, effortless authority is on the move. The King’s presence signals that the long-awaited kingdom has arrived, confronting every heart with a choice: submit to His gracious rule or resist and remain under darkness. |
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