But if I drive out demons by the finger of GodThis phrase highlights Jesus' authority over demonic forces, emphasizing His divine power. The "finger of God" is a metaphor for God's direct intervention and power, reminiscent of
Exodus 8:19, where the magicians of Egypt recognized God's power in the plagues. This connection underscores Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and His role as the divine Messiah. The act of driving out demons signifies the breaking of Satan's hold and the inauguration of a new era of spiritual authority.
then the kingdom of God has come upon you
This statement declares the arrival of God's kingdom through Jesus' ministry. The kingdom of God is a central theme in Jesus' teachings, representing God's sovereign rule and the restoration of His creation. The phrase "has come upon you" indicates an immediate and present reality, not just a future hope. This aligns with prophecies likeIsaiah 61:1-2, which speak of liberation and healing. Jesus' miracles, including exorcisms, are signs of this kingdom breaking into the world, challenging the existing religious and cultural expectations of a political or earthly kingdom.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus ChristThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is addressing the crowd and responding to accusations that He casts out demons by the power of Beelzebul.
2.
DemonsSpiritual beings opposed to God, which Jesus is casting out, demonstrating His authority over the spiritual realm.
3.
The Finger of GodA metaphorical expression indicating the power and authority of God at work through Jesus. This phrase echoes the Old Testament, where it signifies divine intervention.
4.
The Kingdom of GodThe reign and rule of God, which Jesus declares has come upon the people through His works and presence.
5.
The CrowdThe audience witnessing Jesus' miracles and hearing His teachings, some of whom are skeptical and accuse Him of using demonic power.
Teaching Points
Divine AuthorityJesus' ability to cast out demons by the "finger of God" underscores His divine authority and identity as the Son of God. Believers can trust in His power over all spiritual forces.
Presence of the KingdomThe coming of God's kingdom is not just a future hope but a present reality demonstrated through Jesus' ministry. Christians are called to live in the reality of God's kingdom now.
Spiritual DiscernmentThe crowd's skepticism serves as a warning to discern spiritual truths carefully. Believers should seek the Holy Spirit's guidance to recognize God's work in the world.
Faith in ActionJesus' works call for a response of faith. Believers are encouraged to actively participate in God's kingdom by living out their faith and sharing the gospel.
Victory Over EvilJesus' triumph over demons assures believers of victory over evil. Christians can stand firm in spiritual battles, knowing they are empowered by the same Spirit.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Luke 11:20?
2.How does Luke 11:20 affirm Jesus' authority over demonic powers?
3.What does "finger of God" signify about divine intervention in Luke 11:20?
4.How does Luke 11:20 connect to Exodus 8:19 regarding God's power?
5.How can we recognize God's kingdom presence in our daily lives?
6.How should Luke 11:20 influence our approach to spiritual warfare today?
7.How does Luke 11:20 demonstrate the authority of Jesus over demons?
8.What does "finger of God" signify in Luke 11:20?
9.How does Luke 11:20 relate to the concept of the Kingdom of God?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 11?
11.What does 'Finger of God' mean?
12.What is the concept of Realized Eschatology?
13.Exodus 31:18 – Does the description of God literally writing the tablets “with His finger” conflict with the idea of a non-physical deity, and how can this be explained logically?
14.What does "Finger of God" mean?What Does Luke 11:20 Mean
But- The single word opens with a sharp contrast. Jesus has just refuted the charge that He casts out demons by Beelzebul (Luke 11:14-19).
- By saying “But,” He overturns their accusation and redirects the focus from darkness to light, just asJohn 1:5 shows light overcoming darkness.
- The contrast underscores two kingdoms in conflict—Satan’s versus God’s (Colossians 1:13).
if I drive out demons- Jesus points to an observable fact: demons really are being expelled (Luke 4:35; 7:21).
- This is not theory. It is a public demonstration that evil spirits submit to Him (Mark 1:27).
- Such deliverances verifyIsaiah 61:1, where Messiah frees captives.
- The “if” is not doubtful; it is rhetorical: “Since I drive them out…”
by the finger of God- The phrase recallsExodus 8:19, where Egyptian magicians confessed, “This is the finger of God.” Just as plagues proved God’s supremacy over Egypt, exorcisms prove His supremacy over Satan.
- “Finger” highlights effortless power. God does not need an army; one finger suffices (Psalm 8:3’s “work of Your fingers”).
- It also echoes the tablets “written with the finger of God” (Exodus 31:18;Deuteronomy 9:10), linking Jesus’ acts with divine authority behind the Law.
then the kingdom of God- Jesus connects the miracles to the arrival of God’s reign. Whenever the King acts, the kingdom is present (Matthew 12:28, the parallel verse).
- Signs and wonders are kingdom evidence (Hebrews 2:4).
- The kingdom is not mere future hope; Jesus announces it as present and advancing (Luke 17:21).
has come upon you- The verb is decisive: God’s rule has already broken in. Listeners stand face-to-face with it (Mark 1:15).
- “Upon you” is personal. Spectators cannot stay neutral (John 3:19-21).
- Acceptance means freedom and life (John 8:36); rejection invites judgment (Luke 10:10-12).
summaryJesus’ expulsion of demons is living proof that God’s overpowering, effortless authority is on the move. The King’s presence signals that the long-awaited kingdom has arrived, confronting every heart with a choice: submit to His gracious rule or resist and remain under darkness.
(20)
If I with the finger of God . . .--Note the substitution of this language for "by the Spirit of God," in
Matthew 12:28, and its connection with the use by the older prophets of "the hand of the Lord," to indicate the state which issued in prophetic inspiration (
Ezekiel 1:3;
Ezekiel 37:1), and with "the finger of God" as writing the Commandments on the tables of stone (
Exodus 31:18), and Pharaoh's confession that "the finger of God" was with Moses and Aaron in the wonders which they wrought (
Exodus 8:19). The meaning of this boldly anthropomorphic language is sufficiently obvious. As the "hand" denotes power generally, so the "finger" symbolises power in its concentrated and specially-directed energy.
Verse 20. -
But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is comeupon you. Here Jesus points to a fact well known and thoroughly established. There was no question here; the most obstinate cases of possession had yielded to that "finger" be spoke of here; the fiercest of the, alas! (then) great company of the insane, at the bidding of that quiet, humble Rabbi, for ever shook off the spirit of madness, in whatever form of terrible possession it had been dwelling in his body. There was no question here; the only point raised by his enemies
how had that quiet Rabbi done these strange, mighty works - Jesus had answered; and now draws a picture of one of these acts of his. The "finger of God" in St. Matthew, where the same or a similar discourse is related, is called the "Spirit of God." The expression is strange, but is one not unusual in ancient Hebrew phraseology. So the Egyptian magicians said to Pharaoh, "This
is the finger of God" (
Exodus 8:19). The ten commandments are described as written on the two tables of stone with the "finger of God." "You have seen by what power the devils obey
me; yea, the kingdom of God, for which you are waiting and looking, lo, it is come upon you."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Butδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.ifεἰ(ei)Conjunction
Strong's 1487:If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.Iἐγὼ(egō)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.drive outἐκβάλλω(ekballō)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1544:To throw (cast, put) out; I banish; I bring forth, produce. From ek and ballo; to eject.demonsδαιμόνια(daimonia)Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 1140:An evil-spirit, demon; a heathen deity. Neuter of a derivative of daimon; a d?Monic being; by extension a deity.byἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.[the] fingerδακτύλῳ(daktylō)Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1147:A finger. Probably from deka; a finger.of God,Θεοῦ(Theou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.thenἄρα(ara)Conjunction
Strong's 686:Then, therefore, since. Probably from airo; a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive.theἡ(hē)Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.kingdomβασιλεία(basileia)Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 932:From basileus; properly, royalty, i.e. rule, or a realm.of GodΘεοῦ(Theou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.has comeἔφθασεν(ephthasen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5348:Apparently a primary verb; to be beforehand, i.e. Anticipate or precede; by extension, to have arrived at.uponἐφ’(eph’)Preposition
Strong's 1909:On, to, against, on the basis of, at.you.ὑμᾶς(hymas)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.
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NT Gospels: Luke 11:20 But if I by the finger (Luke Lu Lk)