The Source Of Happiness

DURING his ministry in Galilee, Jesus performed miracles and he now repeats these in Judea. For instance, he cast out of a man a demon that has prevented him from speaking. The crowds are amazed, but critics raise the same objection as was raised in Galilee. "He expels the demons by means of Beelzebub the ruler of the demons," as they claim. Others want greater evidence from Jesus as to his identity, and they try to tempt him by asking for a sign from heaven.

Knowing what they are thinking, Jesus gives the same answer to his critics in Judea as he gave to those in Galilee. He observes that every kingdom divided against itself will fall. "So," he asks, "If Satan is also divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand?" He shows the dangerous position of his critics by saying: "If it is by means of God's finger I expel the demons, the kingdom of God has really overtaken you."

Those observing Jesus' miracles should respond to them in the same way as those who centuries before saw Moses perform a miracle. They exclaimed: "It is the finger of God!" It was also "God's finger" that carved the Ten Commandments on stone tablets. And "God's finger"-his holy spirit, or active force-is what enables Jesus to cast out demons and to cure the sick. So the Kingdom of God has indeed overtaken these critics, since Jesus, the designated King of the Kingdom, is right there in there midst.

Jesus then illustrates that his ability to expel demons is evidence of his power over Satan, even as when a stronger man comes along and overpowers a well-armed man guarding his palace. He also repeats the illustration he told in Galilee regarding an unclean spirit. The spirit leaves a man, but when the man does not fill the void with good things, the spirit returns with seven others, and the condition of the man becomes worse than at the first.

While listening to these teachings, a woman from the crowd is moved to exclaim loudly: "Happy is the womb that carried you and the breasts that you sucked!" Since the desired of every Jesus woman is to be the mother of a prophet and particularly the Messiah, it is understandable that this woman would say this. Apparently she thought Mary could especially be happy because of being Jesus' mother.

Next time: Conclusion of The Source Of Happiness

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991