What Jesus Did! 'An Undivided Heart' — Matthew 12:24-26

Thursday, June 10, 2021

But when the Pharisees heard about the miracle, they said, "No wonder [Jesus] can cast out demons. He gets his power from Satan, the prince of demons."

Jesus knew their thoughts and replied, "Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed. A town or family splintered by feuding will fall apart. And if Satan is casting out Satan, he is divided and fighting against himself. His own kingdom will not survive."

— Matthew 12:24-26 NLT

Key Thought

Incredibly, we can assign good deeds to bad motives or evil intent when those good deeds are done by those we don't like or hold as our enemies. Jesus faced this same problem. But Jesus reminded us that Satan and his forces already know what most of us intuitively realize when we think about it: You don't advance your own cause by instigating internal division and rivalries. Satan also knows that if he can divide us, he can more easily defeat us. Jesus' point, however, is that even with all the evil one's forces united and intact, he can defeat Satan because he is stronger than Satan. Jesus went into Satan's stronghold and defeated him. With his help, we can, too!

Today's Prayer

Holy and Almighty God, I believe that in Jesus you showed your power over the evil one. Please come with your power and might and completely eliminate the evil one's influence over me by sending Jesus to bring us home to you. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Colossians 2:12-15
  • Hebrews 2:14-15
  • Romans 8:37-39

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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 12:24-26 NLT — "No wonder [Jesus] can cast out demons. He gets his power from Satan, the prince of demons."

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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