Book of Luke - Chapter 11 - Verse 20
Meaning
In this verse from the Gospel of Luke, Jesus is addressing the idea that His power to cast out demons is a sign that the kingdom of God has come. By referring to His ability to cast out demons as being performed with "the finger of God," Jesus is emphasizing that His power comes directly from God himself. In Jewish tradition, "the finger of God" was often used to refer to the power of God at work, such as when Moses received the Ten Commandments written by God's finger. Therefore, by performing miraculous acts such as casting out demons, Jesus is showing that the power and presence of God's kingdom is now at work among the people. This verse serves as a reminder that the kingdom of God is not just a future hope, but a present reality that is being revealed through Jesus' ministry and teachings. It challenges believers to recognize and respond to the coming of God's kingdom in their midst.
Theological Overview
In this verse from the Gospel of Luke 11:20, the phrase "the finger of God" is used to describe the power by which Jesus performs miracles, specifically the casting out of demons. The concept of the "finger of God" can be traced back to the Old Testament, where it is often associated with the power and authority of God. In Exodus 8:19, the Egyptian magicians acknowledge the plagues as being the work of "the finger of God." This imagery portrays a sense of divine authority and sovereignty over all spiritual forces. Jesus' ability to cast out demons with the finger of God is a clear sign of the arrival of the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is understood as the reign and rule of God in the hearts of believers, and the manifestation of God's power over evil. By demonstrating his power over demons, Jesus affirms his role as the promised Messiah and the presence of the kingdom of God among his followers.