Mark 3 Devotional

Stronger Than the Strong Man

“Indeed, no one can enter a strong man’s house to steal his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can plunder his house.”Mark 3:27 (BSB)

Opposition closes in from every side in this chapter. The Pharisees watch Jesus so they can accuse him, and when he restores a man's withered hand on the Sabbath, they leave to plot his death (3:6). His own family sets out to take hold of him, saying he is out of his mind (3:21). Scribes from Jerusalem claim that his power over demons comes from the prince of demons himself (3:22).

Jesus answers with a picture. No one can plunder a strong man's house without first tying him up (3:27). Every unclean spirit Jesus drives out is evidence that the binding has begun. He has not made a deal with Satan. He has entered his house to take back what Satan held. John says this is why the Son of God was revealed, to undo the devil's works (1 John 3:8). Then Jesus looks at those seated around him and calls everyone who does God's will his brother, sister and mother (3:34-35). Those he rescues are not left in the enemy's house. They are brought into his family.

To think about: Where do you feel the enemy's hold most strongly, and what difference does it make that Jesus is the stronger one?