The Greater Power

Or how can one enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house (Matthew 12:29).

Repetition is an effective tool used to aid in remembering something that is important. God has used repetition throughout Scripture to drive home certain truths we cannot afford to overlook or ignore. Repetition can take the form of repeating a word or statement verbatim. It can be the repeating of a principle in different ways. Sometimes repetition takes the form of a statement followed up by an example.

When the Pharisees accused Jesus of being the servant of Satan for casting out the demons of a demon possessed man, Jesus countered their accusation by repeating a principle stated in Matthew 12:25, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation. He repeated the principle in the next clause by stating it in a different way, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. He then repeated the same principle by citing 3 examples: 1) If your disciples cast out demons by the authority of God, as I do, then I am not a servant of Satan and his house is not divided. 2) If I cast out demons by the authority of God, then it is proof the Kingdom of God is here and is not divided. 3) If I cast out demons by the authority of God, then I am greater than Satan and not his servant.

A man cannot break into the house of a stronger man and take his property unless he has somehow rendered the stronger man helpless. If a thief has taken a person's possessions, it proves his ability to steal what is not his is greater than the ability of the owner to keep his possessions. 

Jesus’ argument here is that He has the greater power and authority to ‘steal’ or ‘free’ a demoniac from demon possession than Satan has in keeping the demoniac under his power and authority. Therefore, Jesus has ‘bound the strong man’ (Satan) and taken his possession (the man) by healing the demoniac of his demons.

The Apostle Paul wrote (Colossians 2:13-15), And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. 

“Lord Jesus, thank You for breaking Satan’s hold on my life and setting me free from the power of sin. I know I still yield to temptation from time to time, but I also believe what Your servant John said, ‘He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.’ It is only by Your grace and mercy that I am saved and enjoy the freedom for which You have set me free. I will forever praise and bless Your name for this great gift. Amen.”

Pastor