The past two weeks have been both exiting and challenging in our discussion of the 11th chapter of Luke. Verses 14-26 always create conversation because we are talking about casting out demons. In this case, Jesus is challenged that he is casting out demons because he is working for the devil. Jesus response is that the same argument could be applied to his challengers' associates who are casting out demons, but those who challenge Jesus don't seem to be raising the issue with their associates. The second response is even stronger. How can a kingdom divided stand? If Satan is divided, how can his kingdom stand?
The group recognized the famous verse about a divided kingdom and how it has been used down through the years by politicians, notably Lincoln. This led to a discussion of how passages from the Bible have been used appropriately or inappropriately. Taking a verse from the Bible out of context is always dangerous. The deeper concern for the the group was the business of casting out a demon only to have that demon and seven stronger ones return. What was the meaning of that verse? The discussion focused on the idea that you can't simply have something removed and not fill the void. If the void is not filled, you are vulnerable. A person can't just run from something, they need to be running towards something. If a person overeats to fill a void in their life and they develop health concerns, they may choose to eat in a more healthy way, but that void in their life needs to be addressed or it will be filled with another form of addiction. The grace of God not only takes away our sin, but fills us with new life.
Verses 27-36 speak of looking for signs. Looking for signs is a very human response. Prove to me that you are what you say you are Jesus. Jesus argues that all we need to know and see is before us. The problem is that we don't have the eyes to hear or the eyes to see. This is a repeated theme throughout the gospel. In the end, no one can see Jesus, not even his disciples. This certainly is a judgment of the people who gathered around Jesus, but also his disciples, including you and me. Left on our own, we never truly see Jesus or understand him. If we could, we would not need to be saved. The cross puts an end to the game we play that we can win the game of life and faith on our own. We can be in control. We can punch our own ticket into the Kingdom of God. It's like the addict who believes they can master their addiction on their own. It's a tempting game. I have the willpower. I have the control. I needed help to begin, but now I'm in charge. It's a game they will lose ever time. The starting point in AA is the admission that you are helpless and need a power greater than yourself. For us as Christians, we begin with the understanding that we are sinners and that we cannot save ourselves. We need to be saved and, if the cross puts an end to the game we play, the cross is also that sign of our salvation. God's love cannot be denied even when we said "No" to God's son. God says "Yes" to us. As we Lutherans love to say, we are saved by grace.
Peace,
Pastor Summer
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