CASTING OUT SATAN (MK 3:22-30)
Prayer:
O Jesus, by your power, free me from the Evil One.
Imagination:
Picture Jesus in his controversy with the scribes.
Context:
Mark presents another group of critics, the scribes. However, Jesus does not answer them. Jesus speaks to the crowds to get a fair hearing. He destroys the scribe’s argument by sheer logic. Then, he defines his relationship to the demonic world. He is more powerful than satan who holds all mankind in bondage. Finally Jesus speaks about blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, a sin which the scribes have committed by attributing God’s power to the Evil One.
Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)
The scribes from Jerusalem claimed “He is possessed by Beelzebub and he casts out devils by the prince of devils.” Jesus then spoke to the crowds in a parable. “How can Satan cast out Satan? A Kingdom divided against itself, cannot stand. A house divided against itself also cannot stand. If Satan has suffered mutiny in his ranks, he is divided and cannot stand. He is finished. No one can enter a strong man’s house and rob him of his goods unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he plunders his house.
All sins shall be forgiven mankind and all blasphemies, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, shall never be forgiven. He carries the guilt of his sin forever.
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you.)
- The evidence is overwhelming and the scribes have to admit that Jesus drives out demons.
- So, they claim the source of this power is the prince of demons.
- Their argument is ridiculous. Satan’s kingdom would be divided and would certainly end.
- Jesus describes Satan as a strong man who has captured the human race.
- Jesus, however, is stronger. He ties up Satan and is sets people free.
- Blasphemy against the Spirit is when a person rejects Jesus’ power, saying it comes from Satan.
- The scribes have done this and will not seek Jesus’ forgiveness.
Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- O Jesus, Satan has no hold over you. You have all authority.
- Your power and his power will forever clash.
- O Jesus, Your power is divine and I fully trust you with my life.
- Set me free. Plunder Satan’s possessions. Remove his control over my life.
- Without you, Satan would make this world into his hell.
- With you, earth becomes like the Kingdom of God.
- O Holy Spirit, forgive all my sins. You are divine and have all the Father’s powers.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
+ I will examine my life and discover where Satan has control over me.
+ I will deliberately come under Jesus’ power.
Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)
Jesus ties up the strong man and plunders his possessions, setting us free.