READ AGAIN: Luke 11:14-32

1. What are some of the ways that Jesus was controversial in His own day?
2. In what ways is Jesus most contoversial today?
3. What are the differences you notice in Jesus’ miracles in the NT and some miracles today??
4. Because of the incredible power He displayed, people knew that something supernatural was at work in Jesus’ miracles. Why do you think the scribes and the Pharisees here claimed that it was the power of Satan at work? (v. 15)
5. “Any kingdom divided against itself cannot stand” (v. 17). Jesus says this to remind people that Satan’s kingdom is strong. It is not crumbling because of in-fighting among the Devil and demons. Do you think the kingdom of darkness is still strong?
6. Jesus claims to “drive out demons by the finger of God” (v . 20). What do you think about this way of describing a miracle?
7. In Jesus’ parable, Satan is the strong man who is arming himself and trying to protect the plunder. Jesus is the strong man who bursts in and overpowers him and divides the plunder (vs. 22). What, then, is the plunder that Jesus divides and to whom does He give it?
8. Jesus is using different imagery and illustrations. There are warfare illustrations here and also agricultural illustrations. What do you make of the line in verse 23, “Whoever does not gather with me scatters…”?
9. Without Jesus, the final condition of a person is always worse than the first. With Jesus, the final condition of a person is always better than the first. (v.26) Discuss.
10. C.S. Lewis famously said that Jesus is either Lunatic, Liar or Lord. (Mere Christianity) Would you agree? Is there anything that you would add?
11. Pastor Chris made the argument that the real reason that Jesus is controversial and will always be, is because our hearts are sinful. Would you agree with that assessment?