He called them to him and said to them in parables, “How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but is coming to an end. But no one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. Then indeed he may plunder his house. Mark 3:23-27
I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark. Today, I focus on a commentary-assisted review of Mark 3:23-27, which is the text for the second (of three) division of 3:22-30 per the commentary. Excerpts from the commentary for the second division:
- "Jesus gives a parable. Satan is the “strong man,” and Jesus is the One breaking into his house, his realm, to bind and plunder. Satan is indeed a strong man in this world. His house is a house of horrors, filled with sin, sickness, death, demon possession, and all that is evil and wicked. His possessions are human beings, enslaved by all these evils. Demons are his agents who delight in carrying out his diabolical agenda. No one but Jesus can invade his realm and carry away his possessions. No one but Jesus is more powerful than this strongman."
- "Jesus’ point is that He has come, and He can and will bind Satan. This is what Jesus is doing and will do climactically at the cross."
Believers can take great comfort that Jesus sets free - not just in this life but for eternity. All are slave to something and all of humanity is slave to sin and condemned for eternity. Yet Jesus came to set free those who believe in Him - for eternity. These eternal benefits can be enjoyed now knowing that this life is not the end. Additionally, we have Jesus in our hearts through the Holy Spirit and with His Word and this gives what we need to remain steadfast in our faith. See also Matthew 7:24-27. Build Your house on The Rock!
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My Prayer: Father God, You are the Rock that can never be shaken and I can place my faith in You because You lead me into green pastures and provide and of course save! Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of how You save and how You have already defeated sin and death - for me! My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
