Pentecost Season · Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Vigil · Year B
Luke 11:27-28
Jesus and Beelzebub
August 15, 2027
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.
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Commentary
Luke 11: Teaching on Prayer and Conflict Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik's verse by verse evangelical commentary on the whole chapter, including the blessing on those who hear the word.
Luke 11 Commentary Precept Austin
A deep gathering of quotations, word studies, and cross references worked verse by verse.
Luke 11:27 Commentaries BibleHub
Aggregates classic commentaries on the blessing of the womb and Jesus' reply in one place.
Barnes' Notes on Luke 11 StudyLight
Albert Barnes' notes on the whole chapter of Luke 11.
Solemnity of the Assumption (Vigil): Readings Agape Bible Study
A Catholic reading study of the vigil Mass that opens the blessing on those who keep God's word.
The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Year B) Catholic Productions · Brant Pitre
Dr. Brant Pitre's overview of the solemnity and the biblical roots of the feast.
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Sunday Connection Loyola Press · Sunday Connection
Catholic background, reflection questions, and family prayer for the feast.
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 10-24 Overview BibleProject
An animated overview of the second half of Luke, where this teaching falls.
Luke 11:27 Greek Interlinear BibleHub
Greek word by word with parsing and Strong's numbers for the blessing on those who hear the word.
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.
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