14 One day Jesus cast out a demon from a man who couldn’t speak, and when the demon was gone, the man began to speak. The crowds were amazed, 15 but some of them said, “No wonder he can cast out demons. He gets his power from Satan,[f] the prince of demons.” 16 Others, trying to test Jesus, demanded that he show them a miraculous sign from heaven to prove his authority.
17 He knew their thoughts, so he said, “Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed. A family splintered by feuding will fall apart. 18 You say I am empowered by Satan. But if Satan is divided and fighting against himself, how can his kingdom survive? 19 And if I am empowered by Satan, what about your own exorcists? They cast out demons, too, so they will condemn you for what you have said. 20 But if I am casting out demons by the power of God,[g] then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you. 21 For when a strong man is fully armed and guards his palace, his possessions are safe-- 22 until someone even stronger attacks and overpowers him, strips him of his weapons, and carries off his belongings. (Luke 11:14-22 NLT)
Jesus enemies never gave up. They accused Him of using Satanic powers to drive out demons. They asked Him for a miraculous sign to prove He had authority over the demons. They were never satisfied.
We should not be surprised when people criticize Jesus, the Christian faith and Christians when they do not live up to the critics expectations. Jesus tells us to be faithful to Him and He will help us face the challenges that are thrown at us. Jesus was criticized. We will be too.
17 He knew their thoughts, so he said, “Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed. A family splintered by feuding will fall apart. 18 You say I am empowered by Satan. But if Satan is divided and fighting against himself, how can his kingdom survive? 19 And if I am empowered by Satan, what about your own exorcists? They cast out demons, too, so they will condemn you for what you have said. 20 But if I am casting out demons by the power of God,[g] then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you. 21 For when a strong man is fully armed and guards his palace, his possessions are safe-- 22 until someone even stronger attacks and overpowers him, strips him of his weapons, and carries off his belongings. (Luke 11:14-22 NLT)
Jesus enemies never gave up. They accused Him of using Satanic powers to drive out demons. They asked Him for a miraculous sign to prove He had authority over the demons. They were never satisfied.
We should not be surprised when people criticize Jesus, the Christian faith and Christians when they do not live up to the critics expectations. Jesus tells us to be faithful to Him and He will help us face the challenges that are thrown at us. Jesus was criticized. We will be too.
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