Luke 11:15

Luke 11:15, in plain English

Some people in the crowd make a terrible accusation: Jesus must be casting out demons because He's in league with the devil himself. It's the worst thing they could say.

Why it's here

When people can't deny the miracle, they attack the source. Instead of celebrating a man's freedom, they try to make Jesus look evil. It's a pattern that still happens today.

Who's speaking

Hostile voices in the crowd level the most serious accusation possible against Jesus.

Where it sits in the story

This accusation is a dark turning point. A man just got his voice back, and instead of praising God, some people decide Jesus must be working for Satan. Jesus is about to dismantle this argument completely.

The scholarly reading

Opponents attribute Jesus' exorcisms to Beelzebul (Beelzeboul), a name meaning 'lord of the dwelling' or 'lord of flies,' used as a title for the prince of demons. This accusation represents the most severe form of blasphemy.

Language and setting

Beelzebul was originally a Philistine deity (2 Kings 1:2). By the first century, the name had become synonymous with Satan or the chief demon. Attributing divine works to demonic power was considered the ultimate spiritual error.

Voice

Some members of the crowd publicly accuse Jesus of operating under demonic authority.

Significance

The accusation that Jesus works by Satan's power is a turning point. It forces Jesus to mount one of His most logical and devastating arguments about the nature of His ministry.

13So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”

14One day Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute. And when the demon was gone, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowds were amazed,

15but some of them said, “It is by Beelzebul, the prince of the demons, that He drives out demons.”

16And others tested Him by demanding a sign from heaven.

17Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste, and a house divided against a house will fall.

Read all of Luke 11 — The disciples ask for a prayer, and Jesus gives them words that have echoed for two thousand years. Then he warns against empty religion.