2. Jesus and Beelzebub

Question 1

1. Context

Answer 1

• Beelzebub is an ancient pagan God, but in 1st century became a name for the Devil.
• JC heals a mute man by driving out the evil spirit inside him (exorcism)
• Crowd accuse JC of being in league with the Devil (evil spirits obey him)
• This takes place in Synoptics (Mark: accusers are JC’s family), (Matthew: accusers are Pharisees). Luke doesn’t specify who accusers are

Question 2

2. Meaning

Answer 2

• Parable creates image of Satan’s Kingdom (rival Kingdom to God)
• Jesus cannot be in league with Satan because his exorcisms would mean Satan’s Kingdom is at war with itself.

• Imagery is part of the cosmic drama in Luke’s Gospel…
- World is a battleground between forces of good and forces of Satan
• Jesus goes on to tell the ‘Parable of the Strong Man’
- The ‘house; is the soul of a person trying to resist Satan
- The ‘strong man’ is a person who trusts in their own willpower to keep them safe.
- Satan overpowers him because willpower is not enough to defeat him
- Alternatively: ‘house’ may be the Temple and the ‘strong man’ may be Jewish Law which is strong but not strong enough to defeat evil.
- ‘plunder’ by ‘someone stronger’ is destruction of Temple by Romans.

• Even if Satan is cast out, he returns to the house
- Only Jesus can cast him out

Question 3

3. Implications

Answer 3

• Marshall: uses JC’s quote “the kingdom of God has come upon you” suggesting that the Kingdom is in the present against Conzelmann

• Luke’s Readers: understand that they are the house that is under constant attack.
- Salvation History: Jesus has ascended so Christians must continue the war against Satan.

Question 4

Summary

Answer 4

1. Context
2. Meaning
3. Implications