Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: March 27, 2025

Thursday of the 3rd Week of Lent

Scripture Text: Luke 11:14-23

Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute, and when the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke and the crowds were amazed. Some of them said, "By the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he drives out demons." Others, to test him, asked him for a sign from heaven. But he knew their thoughts and said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house will fall against house. And if Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that it is by Beelzebul that I drive out demons. If I, then, drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own people drive them out? Therefore, they will be your judges. But if it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you. When a strong man fully armed guards his palace, his possessions are safe. But when one stronger than he attacks and overcomes him, he takes away the armor on which he relied and distributes the spoils. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today recounts Jesus’ response following his exorcism of a demon from a mute man when those rejecting Him and His works accuse Him of healing through the power of Beelzebul. Jesus notes the absurdity of their accusations. Why would Satan work against himself?

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Am I with Jesus? Do I stand with Jesus and all His teachings and all His saving deeds?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You sent your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to dwell among us as our brother, to take upon himself our human nature, to reveal your great love for us through His words and actions, and to show us the power of love lived and realized upon the cross of Calvary. Always and everywhere throughout His time among us, He sought your will and lived it, even when it meant giving His life to save sinners though He Himself was sinless. Send your Spirit to stir within us so that we might walk in His footsteps, seeking your will and striving always and everywhere to live it even when it is not easy. Grant that we may become the children You created us to be and the disciples He calls us to be. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.