Jesus and Beelzebul

A short reflection on Jesus and Beelzebul

Synopsis:- (Lk. 11:14-23; Mt. 12:22-32; Mk. 3: 19b - 30)
> Jesus casts a demon from a mute person
> He starts to speak and people get amazed
> But, Pharisees and Scribes say that it's done by the power of Beelzebul- ruler of the demons
> While some demand for a sign from heaven
> Jesus knows their thoughts and says, " every kingdom divided against itself becomes a desert, and house falls on house".
> If Satan is divided then even he can't stand
> Jesus inquires about their exorcists' authority to cast demons
> The ones whom you hold your belief on becomes your judge
> Jesus speaks about finger of God in removing the demon
> And hence, the proclaimation of kingdom of God
> Analogy of strong man and another even stronger him.
> " Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters".

Reflection:-

In this episode we see Jesus being accused of using the power of Beelzebul. Jesus makes all the attempts to prove to them that He is the one sent by God and is God Himself.

This passage is also a warning to all those who put their trusts in evil spirits, witchcrafts, horoscopes, black magics, etc. The Church calls this type of divination by evocation of the dead as "Nacromancy" and the ability to predict the future as "Divination". And both in it are against the Catholic Church.

When we subject ourselves to such evil practices, Jesus says that we make them our judges. And we all know that the Devil is a mighty deceiver, he will make the person feel that whatever he is doing is right. And on the judgement Day even the devil will be judged, so if you place your trust in him then you are likely to be doomed to hell.

Now, how are we to know whether the devil is in my control? 

1st test:- Check who do you hold responsible when something happens to a person. Is the devil overpowering God? Or Even though the devil has attacked, my God is infinitely Supreme than him.

2nd test:- Do you trust in the power of the Sacramentals or formulas by some old generation malpractices or oroscopes?

In this passage when Jesus referred to "finger of God" it wasn't used simply but if you go back to Old Testament you will find it:-

 And the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God!” But Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, just as the Lord had said.

Exodus 8:19 NRSV

You can also see the stubbornness of Pharaoh to believe in the hand of God in the Old testament is the same as in this passage.

Jesus tells us that He is the strongest tower and there is no force in this universe can shake Him! Don't you now feel proud that you are His beloved child?? ❤

Jesus wants us to cling to Him so that we may be close to the Kingdom of God. But there's a warning to those who are in two boats also, i.e. Jesus and the World:-

 “I know your works; you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were either cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

Revelation 3:15‭-‬16 NRSV

Believe in the One God Almighty and also His Son! And put no limits to His actions. 

Praise God❤