Pentecost Season · Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Vigil · Year A
Luke 11:27-28
Jesus and Beelzebub
August 15, 2026
Overview & Insights
“If it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” (Luke 11:20)
There have been indications throughout Jesus’s ministry in Galilee that not everyone is favorably impressed by him. Now the opposition is focused in two specific lines of attack (11:15–16). The first concerns his deliverance of those who were demon-possessed, a major theme of Luke’s account of Jesus’s ministry so far (see 4:31–37, 41; 6:18; 7:21; 8:2, 26–39; 9:37–43). An attempt to turn his exorcisms against him now leads to a “debate” in which the underlying spiritual significance of this ministry is explored. Jesus is not merely a successful village preacher and healer; he is God’s agent in the decisive overthrow of the power of evil. The second line of attack concerns Jesus’s authority to present himself as God’s messenger; they want a “sign from heaven.” While refusing to give such a convenient “sign,” Jesus’s appeal to Old Testament precedent here adds a further significant dimension to his claim to a unique authority.
From Sermons.com: Join Today to access the most scholarly & well written preaching resources anywhere.
Take it further
Commentary
Luke 11: Teaching on Prayer and True Blessing Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik's verse by verse evangelical commentary on the whole of Luke 11.
Luke 11 Commentary Precept Austin
A deep gathering of word studies and cross references worked verse by verse.
Luke 11:27 Commentaries BibleHub
Aggregates classic commentaries on hearing and keeping the word in one place.
Barnes' Notes on Luke 11 StudyLight
Albert Barnes' notes on the whole chapter of Luke 11.
Assumption Vigil: Reading Study Agape Bible Study
A Catholic reading study working through the vigil readings for the Assumption.
Luke 11 Scripture Reflections Word on Fire · Bishop Barron
Catholic homiletic reflections gathered on hearing and keeping the word.
Background & Word Study
Enter the Bible: Luke Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary background on the Gospel of Luke, its structure and themes.
Gospel of Luke Overview (Luke 1-9) BibleProject
An animated overview of the first half of Luke's Gospel.
Gospel of Luke Overview (Luke 10-24) BibleProject
An animated overview of the second half of Luke, where this teaching falls.
Luke 11 Greek Interlinear BibleHub
Greek word by word with parsing and Strong's numbers for the blessing saying.
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
What is the charge against Jesus in Luke 11?
Accused of casting out demons by Beelzebul, Jesus answers that a house divided cannot stand and that his exorcisms are the very inbreaking of God's kingdom.
Prep at sermons.com
Ready to write?
- Full sermons on Luke 11:27-28
- Illustrations cleared for use in worship
- Commentary, quotes, and Bible dictionary
Trusted by pastors since 1995.
Free every Tuesday
Illustrations & Sermon Prep in your inbox
The coming Sunday’s readings, a cleared-for-use illustration, and a sermon-prep head start. One email, free.