What Jesus Did! 'Undivided!' — Luke 11:17-18

Sunday, July 23, 2023

[When some people accused Jesus of casting out a demon by the power of Satan, Jesus] knew their thoughts, so he said, "Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed. A family splintered by feuding will fall apart. You say I am empowered by Satan. But if Satan is divided and fighting against himself, how can his kingdom survive?"
— Luke 11:17-18 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus took the criticisms of his opponents and destroyed them by a simple statement of truth. We recognize this truth. Many of us have also experienced or witnessed this truth: A family or other group that is divided and has infighting does indeed collapse. We also have seen the opposite demonstrated: A unified group is hard to defeat. We need to stick close together, and we need to speak the simple truth. [1]

[1] Ephesians 4:1-6, 15, 25; Romans 12:4-5, 10.

Today's Prayer

Holy God, help my church to resist being divided by the distractions of evil and sin but to be unified in our devotion and service to you and each other. And, dear Father, please give me the wisdom to know when not to respond to false accusations and when I should respond. May I demonstrate your love in all situations. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • John 17:13-21
  • 1 Corinthians 1:13
  • Ezekiel 37:22

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 11:17-18 NLT — "Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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