Jesus Tied Up Satan and Is Plundering His House

On June 6, 1944, the US and 14 other nations began their invasion of Normandy, France. This was one of the most important and decisive moments of World War II. This day has gone down in history as D-Day. The successful invasion of the coasts of Normandy would be seen as the decisive battle that led to the total defeat of the Nazi powers throughout all of Europe almost a year later. This invasion of almost 160,000 troops onto the beaches of Normandy was a necessary step in bringing Hitler and the Nazi regime to it knees so that order and peace could come back to Europe.

Although fighting continued across Europe the next eleven months after D-Day as allied forces pushed back Nazi forces, it was clear to many, that the successful invasion of mainland Europe at Normandy was a guarantee of the coming victory across all of Europe that was soon to come. Europe did not belong to the Nazi’s. It belonged to its people!

In 1946, Oscar Cullman, a french Lutheran theologian released a book entitled “Christ and Time.” In this book Cullman compared D-Day to Christ’s first coming and the later Victory in Europe Day (known as V-E Day) to Christ’s eventual second coming where total victory would be had.

This truth regarding Christ’s first coming is clearly seen in a confrontation between the pharisees and Jesus that is recorded in Luke 11:14-23. In this passage Jesus said that if He cast out demons by the Spirit of God then the kingdom of God has come (Matt. 10:28, Luke 11:20).

Is this true? Do we believe that the Kingdom of God has already come? What did this mean back then? What does this mean for us today? If the Kingdom of God has already come, how shall we then live?

Let’s step back, examine the context of Jesus’ statement, and look at other parts of scripture to answer these questions.

The Story

Take a look at the story as Luke records it in Luke 11:14-23:

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.

Jesus is in Galilee doing good works and upsetting the status quo that had been established by the religious elites of the day. He cast out a demon from a mute and blind man and the people marveled and began to ask if this might be the Messiah that they had been waiting for. When the scribes and pharisees (the religious elite) who had a stranglehold on the culture and religious practice of the day, heard what happened, they accused Jesus of casting the demon out by the power Beelzebul, who was known as the prince of demons and also identified with Satan himself. A third group insisted that Jesus give them some additional sign from heaven.

Jesus knew their thoughts.

This should terrify everyone one of us - the Lord of all creation knows every thought that we have ever entertained. From this knowledge, Jesus speaks directly to them as He will one day speak to us. He confronts their hostility and announces the arrival of His Kingdom.

The Kingdom Has Arrived

Jesus first shows the stupidity of their accusation by pointing out that a divided kingdom/house cannot stand. If Jesus is casting out demons by the power of Satan their master, then surely Satan’s kingdom is doomed. Jesus’ point was clear to all who heard him. He was not using the devil’s power to conquer the devil’s henchman. He was full of God’s Spirit, walking in the power of His own Kingdom and authority, destroying the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). He cast the demon out of that man by the power of God and the man began to see and speak in front of everyone.

In Luke 11:20 Jesus says “But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” Matthew 12:28 records it this way “But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.”

The kingdom of God has arrived. God’s kindgom has come to earth. In that moment. At that time. In that place. God’s kingdom came upon them.

A Parable

Jesus then shares a parable that unpacks the meaning of His teaching in Luke 11:21-22:

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.

The Kingdom of God has arrived and Jesus tied up Satan.

The strong man is fully armed. He is guarding his own palace and goods. Satan is no doubt strong. He has made himself at home in God’s world and is working hard to guard his own palace and keep his goods safe. An examination of other passages shows that Satan is the ruler of the age/world (John 12:31, 14:30, 16:11). He is the god of this world (2 Cor. 4:4), the prince of the power of the air ruling in the hearts of the disobedient (Eph. 2:2), and the whole world lies in his power (1 John 5:19).

But things have changed, are changing, and will change as God’s Kingdom plan and purposes unfold.

Jesus has arrived. He is the stronger man attacking Satan and overcoming him, taking back what belongs to God. Notice the words of Christ. The stronger man is taking away the strong man’s armor and is dividing the strong man’s spoil for it belongs to God.

When Adam and Eve followed the serpent the world came under the curse. Jesus is undoing the curse as He casts out demons, upsets Satan’s strategies, and makes right the chaos and disorder that mankind welcomed in so many ages ago. This is very good news.

This parable about these two men directly follows Jesus’ confrontation with the Pharisees and the demon. These conflicts infuse this parable with so much meaning. In Jesus, God’s kingdom has arrived, for Jesus is God’s very own king, sent to undo the curse, plunder the devil’s house, and bring redemption and restoration to all of God’s creation (Acts 3:21, Rom. 8:18-25).

The present reality and arrival of God’s kingdom in Jesus’ day is clear from other passages in the gospels. Some have been taught that Jesus’ kingdom is only a future reality, but this is not so, the scriptures declare otherwise.

Prior to John the Baptist’s ministry, the law and the prophets were to be proclaimed, but beginning with John, the good news of the kingdom of God is to be proclaimed and is advancing (Matt. 11:12, Luke 16:16). John began proclaiming the Kingdom of God before Jesus was baptized and began His ministry.

In Luke 17:20-21, Luke records a conversation when the pharisees asked Jesus when the kingdom of God would come. Jesus replied, telling them that the kingdom of God would not come in observable ways based on their carnal and selfish expectations but that the Kingdom of God was already in their midst. They were expecting a sudden national and political victory over foreign empires but Jesus had come to deliver them from a greater wickedness - their own sin. The pharisees were looking the King in the eye, yet they failed to enter the kingdom.

Jesus has entered the strong man’s house. Jesus has tied him up. Jesus has overcome the strong man, disarming him (Col. 2:15) and taking away his armor and goods that he trusts in. Jesus is plundering the devil’s work and possessions for He rules and reigns over all creation and powers of darkness among us.

What Else Do We Know About God’s Kingdom?

As early as Genesis 3:15, we see that One will come who crushes the serpent’s head. Satan’s demise is prophesied as early as the third chapter of the Bible.

In Psalm 110:1, David speaks of Christ’s ascension to His throne saying, “Sit at my right hand, until I make all your enemies your footstool.” This psalm is quoted and referenced more often in the New Testament than any other verse from the Old Testament.

Jesus’ kingdom is spoken of constantly throughout the other psalms, the law and the prophets.

Jesus taught that the arrival of God’s kingdom demands our repentance and faith (Mark 1:14-15, Matt. 4:17).

The arrival of Jesus’ kingdom is good news (gospel). It is fact. It is history. It is not a suggestion, a philosophy or a self-help strategy. This is good news. God’s Kingdom has entered into creation and history and this cannot be denied (Matt. 4:23, 9:35, 24:14; Mark 1:14–15; Luke 4:43, 8:1, 16:16; Acts 8:12).

Whoever obeys and teaches God’s commands in the kingdom will be called great in the kingdom of God. Whoever disregards His commands will be least in the kingdom of God (Matt. 5:19).

Jesus taught us to pray that His kingdom would come and that His will would be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matt. 6:10).

Seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness is to be our greatest endeavor (Matt. 6:33).

When Jesus calms the storm, He shows His authority and rule over creation and the weather (Matt. 8:26-27).

Jesus healed many as He proclaimed and taught the kingdom of God (Matt. 4:23, 9:35; Luke 9:11).

Jesus taught that the kingdom of God is like the smallest of seeds in the field and that it becomes the largest of all the trees in the garden (Matt. 13:31-32).

Jesus taught that the kingdom of God is like yeast in dough. It starts as a tiny fraction of the ingredients but over time permeates, shapes, and effects the entire loaf. No part of the bread is untouched by it (Matt. 13:33).

Jesus taught that the kingdom of God is like a priceless treasure that is greater than all our material possessions. This kingdom is of incalculable worth and we should be prepared to joyfully surrender all that we have to obtain it (Matt. 13:44-46).

Jesus has given His people the keys of the kingdom and we are to use them appropriately (Matt. 16:19).

Jesus taught that one must become like a child to enter the kingdom of God (Matt. 18:2-4, 19:14; Mark 10:14-15, Luke 18:16-17).

Jesus taught that the last would be first and that the first would be last in His kingdom (Matt. 20:1-16).

Jesus taught that the tax collectors and the prostitutes will enter the kingdom before those who practice outward, empty, external, showy religion (Matt. 21:28-32).

Jesus taught that the masses are to be invited into the kingdom (Matt. 22:1-14).

Just before Jesus ascended into heaven after His resurrection He said “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matt. 28:18-20).

Jesus taught that a day will come when the fullness of the kingdom comes upon us and all of God’s enemies are judged and the righteous will shine like the sun (Matt. 13:36-43, 25:31-46). The kingdom is not yet fully manifest but has been inaugurated in Christ’s first coming. God’s kingdom will be finalized or consummated when He comes again (Heb. 2:8, 1 Cor. 15:24-25, Rev. 11:15).

Paul taught that the kingdom of God is not a matter of meticulous man made rules but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom. 14:17).

Paul taught that Jesus is currently reigning and will turn the Kingdom over to God the Father after destroying every rule, power and authority that opposes Him (1 Cor. 15:20-28).

The Kingdom of God cannot be shaken but is eternal and will overcome all the other kingdoms of man (Heb. 12:28, Dan. 2:44, 7:13-14).

Jesus’ Rule & Reign is Clearly Seen in His Death & Resurrection

During Jesus’ life and ministry He had many battles with darkness but the battle that has set the stage for final victory is seen in Jesus’ death and resurrection. In Col. 2:15 Paul writes that on the cross Jesus has “...disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.”

The writer of Hebrews (2:14-15) tells us that it was through death that Jesus destroyed Satan who possessed the power of death. In Rev. 1:17-18 Jesus says ““Fear not, I am the first and the last, 18 and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.”

Just as the allied invasion of Normandy in WWII (known as D-Day) was the decisive battle of the war in Europe, so Christ’s victory in His death and resurrection was the decisive battle that has secured Christ’s final victory that is yet to come. Just as the troops marched forward from that coast into the heart of Europe and overcame the enemy, so Christ has entered into His enemy’s territory and is continually taking back all that is rightly His until all His enemies are defeated and the final victory is made plain to all (1 Cor. 15:20-28).

How Shall We Then Live?

First we must recognize that there is no place for neutrality or compromise regarding Jesus and His teaching. Jesus is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. His Lordship demands our complete and total allegiance. The final verse (23) of our text reads, "Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters."

To not be with Jesus is to oppose Him. To not gather and labor in His work is to scatter or work against His plan. The pharisees that Jesus spoke to were masters at trying to remain neutral. They weren’t with Jesus, thus they were against him, so much so that they led the charge that eventually brought Jesus to that awful bloody cross.

These words of Christ teach us that if we are living in some vague, general, cloudy, unclear middle ground between the biblical Jesus and Satan that we are opposed to Christ and His Kingdom. Another word for this way of life is compromise. If Christ is not your greatest love then repent, flee this daydream of neutrality before it is too late. Believe the gospel and give yourself to Christ fully.

Secondly, we must change our mindset. This world does not belong to Satan. He isn’t winning. We must stop playing defense and realize that the kingdom of God is advancing and that we are to repent of our defensive posture and begin playing offense right now. We mustn’t be like David’s brothers and King Saul when Goliath was taunting them and they cowered before their enemy. We must charge the enemy as David did, realizing that one greater than David has already defeated Goliath and that we are continuing His work in His power.

Paul confirms this current triumphal march when he writes “But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere” (2 Cor. 2:14). We must repent of the futuristic fatalism that has caused us to be so quiet about our King and His kingdom.

Third, we must realize that this work of proclaiming the rule and the reign of Christ and working to advance the Kingdom of God into our dark world is the responsibility of the church today.

The church is the body of Christ. Christ came to our world and when His work was done He ascended to the right hand of the Father. Now we are His hands, His feet, His voice in the world today. Shortly before Jesus’ crucifixion He said “...whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father” (John 14:12).

Jesus started the work. He has commissioned us to complete it. Jesus disarmed the devil and the powers of darkness. Jesus has taken away the armor in which Satan trusted and is now plundering Satan’s house through His people. God has placed us here for such a time as this to continue the work that Jesus started.

Fourth, we must identify the armor that Satan is trusting in and using to further his cause. The church is to continue the work of disarming him. What weapons does Satan use and fight with today? What is it that Christ wants us to take over in His Name?

Jesus promised that He would build His church and that the gates of hell would not prevail against it (Matt. 16:18). Gates are a defensive mechanism. In an ancient city, the gates would provide access to a fortified (walled) city. You could only go in or out through the gates. Jesus’ promise is a nice thing to think about and meditate on but if the church is not at the gates we will never enter into the darkness to overcome it. If Jesus would not have entered the strong man’s house He would not have tied him up and plundered his house.

If we are to push back the darkness and take back our community and nation for Christ, then we must identify the gates of hell in our land, approach them, knock down the gates that oppose Christ and His rule and take back this broken land from the devil so that it may be a city on a hill that God intends it to be.

© 2024. All rights reserved.

Terms & conditions