Thursday Blog: The Finger of God
New Testament Scripture: Luke 11:20
"But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you." – Luke 11:20
Introduction
Today, Jesus makes a profound statement about the power of God and the arrival of His kingdom. Jesus’ miracles are more than acts of compassion; they are signs that God’s kingdom is breaking into the world.
Let me ask up front – how does God’s power work?
Well, this verse invites us to reflect on that and how His kingdom advances, and how we respond to it in our lives today.
Here is the hint: Jesus confronts His critics with a bold declaration: if He is driving out demons by the "finger of God," then the kingdom of God has come upon them.
The Historical Context
The phrase “the finger of God” would have immediately reminded Jesus’ audience of the story of the plagues in Egypt.
In Exodus 8:19, after unsuccessfully replicating the plague of gnats, Pharaoh’s magicians declared, “This is the finger of God!”
They recognized that the power behind the plagues was divine, something far beyond human or demonic ability.
By using this phrase, Jesus was pointing back to that moment in Israel’s history.
Just as God’s power was unmistakably at work in the Exodus, liberating His people from bondage, so now His power was at work through Jesus, liberating people from spiritual oppression and announcing the arrival of His kingdom.
Likewise, In Jewish thought, demons were seen as agents of chaos, destruction, and separation from God. To cast out demons was to directly confront and defeat the forces of darkness.
When Jesus cast out demons, He wasn’t just healing individuals; He was declaring war on Satan’s kingdom and proclaiming the reign of God.
Jesus’ statement about the "kingdom of God" coming upon them was a radical claim.
What was our question earlier? ...God’s rule is breaking into the world in a new and unprecedented way. This wasn’t just a future hope—it was happening right in front of them.
Modern Application
Sometimes we fail to recognize God’s power in our lives because it doesn’t look the way we expect. Jesus’ audience struggled to see the kingdom of God in His actions because they were looking for political liberation and dramatic signs from heaven.
Today, we can fall into the same trap. We may miss God’s work because we’re looking for something spectacular, while He’s quietly transforming lives, answering prayers, and bringing peace in ways we don’t always notice.
Jesus’ words remind us that the kingdom of God is not just a distant reality—it’s here and now.
As my favorite NT Scholar NT Wright says – He has come to inaugurate the new kingdom – ON Earth as it is in Heaven. It's here folks!
Think of it like this - very time we see someone set free from fear, addiction, or despair, we’re witnessing the power of God at work.
Every act of love, justice, and mercy is a sign that His kingdom is advancing.
BUT – we often forget that Jesus’ words also demand a response.
Reflection
If the kingdom of God has come upon us, how are we living as its citizens?
Are we aligning ourselves with God’s purposes, or are we building our own little kingdoms?
Recognizing God’s work in our lives calls us to surrender, trust, and action.
Prayer
Father,
Thank You for the power of Your kingdom breaking into our world.
Help me to see Your work around me, even when it’s unexpected.
Align my heart with Yours and use me to advance Your purposes.
May I live as a citizen of Your kingdom, trusting in Your power and declaring Your love.
Amen.
New Testament Scripture: Luke 11:20
"But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you." – Luke 11:20
Introduction
Today, Jesus makes a profound statement about the power of God and the arrival of His kingdom. Jesus’ miracles are more than acts of compassion; they are signs that God’s kingdom is breaking into the world.
Let me ask up front – how does God’s power work?
Well, this verse invites us to reflect on that and how His kingdom advances, and how we respond to it in our lives today.
Here is the hint: Jesus confronts His critics with a bold declaration: if He is driving out demons by the "finger of God," then the kingdom of God has come upon them.
The Historical Context
The phrase “the finger of God” would have immediately reminded Jesus’ audience of the story of the plagues in Egypt.
In Exodus 8:19, after unsuccessfully replicating the plague of gnats, Pharaoh’s magicians declared, “This is the finger of God!”
They recognized that the power behind the plagues was divine, something far beyond human or demonic ability.
By using this phrase, Jesus was pointing back to that moment in Israel’s history.
Just as God’s power was unmistakably at work in the Exodus, liberating His people from bondage, so now His power was at work through Jesus, liberating people from spiritual oppression and announcing the arrival of His kingdom.
Likewise, In Jewish thought, demons were seen as agents of chaos, destruction, and separation from God. To cast out demons was to directly confront and defeat the forces of darkness.
When Jesus cast out demons, He wasn’t just healing individuals; He was declaring war on Satan’s kingdom and proclaiming the reign of God.
Jesus’ statement about the "kingdom of God" coming upon them was a radical claim.
What was our question earlier? ...God’s rule is breaking into the world in a new and unprecedented way. This wasn’t just a future hope—it was happening right in front of them.
Modern Application
Sometimes we fail to recognize God’s power in our lives because it doesn’t look the way we expect. Jesus’ audience struggled to see the kingdom of God in His actions because they were looking for political liberation and dramatic signs from heaven.
Today, we can fall into the same trap. We may miss God’s work because we’re looking for something spectacular, while He’s quietly transforming lives, answering prayers, and bringing peace in ways we don’t always notice.
Jesus’ words remind us that the kingdom of God is not just a distant reality—it’s here and now.
As my favorite NT Scholar NT Wright says – He has come to inaugurate the new kingdom – ON Earth as it is in Heaven. It's here folks!
Think of it like this - very time we see someone set free from fear, addiction, or despair, we’re witnessing the power of God at work.
Every act of love, justice, and mercy is a sign that His kingdom is advancing.
BUT – we often forget that Jesus’ words also demand a response.
Reflection
If the kingdom of God has come upon us, how are we living as its citizens?
Are we aligning ourselves with God’s purposes, or are we building our own little kingdoms?
Recognizing God’s work in our lives calls us to surrender, trust, and action.
Prayer
Father,
Thank You for the power of Your kingdom breaking into our world.
Help me to see Your work around me, even when it’s unexpected.
Align my heart with Yours and use me to advance Your purposes.
May I live as a citizen of Your kingdom, trusting in Your power and declaring Your love.
Amen.
Posted in Pentecost 2025
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