August 22, 2016

QUESTIONS?

Luke 11:14–28

Ryan Martin
Monday's Devo

August 22, 2016

Monday's Devo

August 22, 2016

Central Truth

Jesus is the master of communication and asking questions. He is the perfect balance of grace and truth.

Key Verse | Luke 11:17

But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls." (Luke 11:17)

Luke 11:14–28

Jesus and Beelzebul

14 Now he was casting out a demon that was mute. When the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke, and the people marveled. 15 But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons,” 16 while others, to test him, kept seeking from him a sign from heaven. 17 But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls. 18 And if Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul. 19 And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. 20 But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. 21 When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are safe; 22 but when one stronger than he attacks him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted and divides his spoil. 23 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.

Return of an Unclean Spirit

24 When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and finding none it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ 25 And when it comes, it finds the house swept and put in order. 26 Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there. And the last state of that person is worse than the first.”

True Blessedness

27 As he said these things, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts at which you nursed!” 28 But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”

Dive Deeper | Luke 11:14–28

I like the Gospel according to Luke. Being in the medical field, I enjoy Luke's account and how God used both his attention to detail and precision with words.

In our Scripture reading today, two big pictures jumped out at me. First, Jesus simply asked a question (verse 18). This is one of many times our Lord does this. It is a great example of how to manage conversations, difficult situations, or questions that come our way. It is an approach I first heard Greg Koukl describe in his book, Tactics. Asking questions can diffuse the situation and give you a chance to think. It can also help you clarify with the other person what is specifically being discussed. Application: speak up and use questions to your advantage.

The second big take-home is in verse 28. "But he said, 'Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!'" Hearing God's Word of salvation through Jesus, believing it, and taking action are the most important things you can do. God's Word has the power to save. Application: read it through, pray it in, live it out, pass it on.

Discussion Questions

1.  How do I feel when difficult questions, spiritual topics, or cultural situations present themselves in my daily conversation?

2.  Have I prayed today for God to give me an opportunity to engage with someone spiritually? Or, if I have no idea what that means, will I go ask someone now to give me an explanation?

3.  Can I apply the simple tactic of stepping up and asking questions?  

4.  I will go and engage with someone in my circle of influence today. That was not a question, it was a calling.