Luke 11:14-26 Would They Believe If They Saw a Sign?

15. But some of them said, "He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons."

16. Others, testing Him, sought from Him a sign from heaven.

◇ Who is Jesus? Is He someone who relies on the power of Beelzebul, the ruler Baal? Is He subordinate to Baal? Or is He a man of God who drives out demons through God's power?

After Jesus cast out a mute demon, people attacked Him with disbelief: "Who are you? Reveal your identity! Aren't you borrowing Baal's power? If it's God's power, show us a sign as proof!"

Signs? Miracles? Authoritative teaching? Those who refuse to believe will never believe, no matter what they see—they'll only look for flaws. The casting out of the mute demon was already a sign—what further sign do they require?

No miracle or sign will convince those who have already concluded that Jesus is not a man of God. Signs are useless to those whose hearts remain closed.

They refuse to hear when told that a kingdom divided against itself, a house divided against itself, will fall. Trapped in their stubbornness, they cover their ears and shield their eyes, refusing to listen or see. Though they have eyes, they cannot see; though they have ears, they cannot hear.

God has already provided many signs and teachings. Jesus Himself is both the sign and the teaching. Shouldn't we open our eyes and ears so that we might see and hear?

♧ Gracious God, keep me from becoming stubborn, closing my eyes and ears, and insisting that "I cannot hear, I cannot see." Internal strife leads to ruin. Save this nation, Lord. Holy Spirit, make us strong and courageous. Amen.