Casting Out Demons

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Beelzebul or the Finger of God? – Luke 11:14-23

Dear Friends, picture the scene: a man possessed by a demon that made him mute is brought to Jesus. In one moment of sovereign authority, Jesus casts out the spirit. The man speaks. The crowd gasps. Some marvel; others mutter darkly.

“He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons,” they whisper (v. 15). Others demand a sign from heaven to test Him (v. 16). Jesus knows their thoughts. He answers not with anger, but with piercing logic and quiet power.

“Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste… If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand?” (vv. 17–18). Then the question that cuts to the heart: “But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you” (v. 20).

The “finger of God”—the same phrase used in Exodus when God wrote the law on stone tablets. Here it is Jesus Himself, driving out darkness by divine power. Not magic, not partnership with evil, but the very arrival of God’s kingdom breaking in. Yet the crowd must choose: acknowledge the finger of God at work, or cling to their accusations.

Jesus presses further: “When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are safe; but when one stronger than he attacks him… he takes away his armour… and divides his spoil” (vv. 21–22). Satan may be strong, but Jesus is stronger. The exorcism is not a mere trick—it is proof that the stronger Man has come to plunder the strong man’s house and set captives free.

Then the solemn warning: “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters” (v. 23). There is no neutral ground. To see the kingdom breaking in and still refuse to bow is to scatter what God is gathering.

We may not witness dramatic exorcisms every day, but the same question faces us. Where do we see the finger of God at work? In answered prayer, in transformed lives, in the quiet power of the gospel changing hearts—do we recognise the kingdom has come near? Or do we explain it away, demand more proof, or stand aloof?

The stronger Man has come. He has bound the strong man, disarmed him at the cross, and triumphed in resurrection. Now He invites us not to neutrality, but to allegiance: to be with Him, to gather with Him, to rejoice that the kingdom has come upon us.

Today, pause in the quiet. Where might you be tempted to explain away God’s work in your life or in others? Where are you still holding back, wanting more evidence before you fully commit? The finger of God is at work—right here, right now. Will you be with Him?


Point to Ponder: Neutrality is not an option when the kingdom of God has come near; either we gather with the Stronger Man, or we scatter.

Verse to Remember: “But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” (Luke 11:20 ESV)

Question to Consider: This week, notice one place where you see the power of God at work—perhaps in Scripture coming alive, in a changed heart, or in a small but undeniable answer to prayer. How does recognising the finger of God there call you to deeper allegiance to Jesus?

Article written by Shaun Fereday, Leader @SFGH Church

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