Today’s Scripture Readings

But some of them said, ‘He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons.’ Others, to test him, kept demanding from him a sign from heaven. But he knew what they were thinking and said to them, ‘Every kingdom divided against itself becomes a desert, and house falls on house. If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? —for you say that I cast out the demons by Beelzebul. Now if I cast out the demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your exorcists cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out the demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you. When a strong man, fully armed, guards his castle, his property is safe. But when one stronger than he attacks him and overpowers him, he takes away his armour in which he trusted and divides his plunder. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.

‘When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it wanders through waterless regions looking for a resting-place, but not finding any, it says, “I will return to my house from which I came.” When it comes, it finds it swept and put in order. Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and live there; and the last state of that person is worse than the first.’

I love this image. It’s bold, it’s clear—and it’s deeply personal. Jesus is telling us: I am stronger than whatever has tried to hold you captive.

We all have ‘strong men’ in our lives, although they rarely look like the armed guards in this metaphor. They are the forces that feel immovable: fear, shame, addiction, doubts, anxieties. Lies we’ve believed for years. They guard the door to our hearts, convincing us we’ll never be free. But Jesus is stronger than them all. He says, ‘I’m stronger. I’m here for you.’

Jesus victory over death didn’t end at the cross; it continues in our lives. He’s not intimidated by our mess, our wounds, or our history. He’s the stronger one, and He fights for us.

And here’s the best part: He doesn’t just win the battle and then leave us to fend for ourselves. He stays! He dwells with us, protects us, and fill us with His Spirit so that we’re not just free—we’re fortified.

So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed today, if something feels too strong to shake, remember this: Jesus is stronger. He’s not asking you to fight alone. He’s already overcome. And He’s offering you His strength, His peace, and His presence.

Let Him in. Let Him take up space. Let Him be the one who guards your heart. Because when Jesus is your ‘strong man,’ nothing else can take hold.

+ Jesus, thank You for being stronger than my fears, my past, and my struggles. I trust You to fight for me, to dwell with me, and to fill me with Your Spirit. You are my strength—and I am safe with You.