Mark 3:27 - Binding the Strong Man

Mark 3:27
But no one can enter the strong man’s house and plunder his property unless he first binds the strong man, and then he will plunder his house.

Message: Binding the Strong Man

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Previously, yesterday, in looking at the preface to this verse, I saw that the scribes are saying that Jesus is possessed, demon-possessed. They mention an illogical argument, namely that Jesus as a demon is casting out a demon. But he clarifies the argument that a demon can't cast out a demon, but instead something different from a demon, namely Jesus, comes to the rescue. Thus, we need mediators in our lives. We need different perspectives. We need someone to come in and save the day.

But also, here, Jesus is needed to restore people to the Father. Jesus has authority over demons and so he can cast them out.

Jesus said earlier in verse 23 that he would speak in parables and he continues that here in verse 27. Jesus further enforces his point here in verse 27. But no one can enter the strong man’s house -- or Satan's house -- and plunder his property unless he first binds the strong man, and then he will plunder his house. Jesus is the one who liberates people from their sin. He is the Messiah and he has come to save us from our sins, from ourselves and release us.

Every person, without Christ, has a demon possession of sorts, a natural and sinful possession, a will contrary to the Spirit of God. Jesus is the one that comes to overthrow that will. He comes to save. Jesus frees people from the grasp of Satan every time a person is saved.

Promise: No matter how much evidence we are given for the work of God and the identity of Christ, we will not believe unless we are granted new hearts to submit to the Lord's revelation.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for saving me a sinner from the grasp of Satan and being a life long slave to sin. You are the Savior of the world. You are the only one that can save mankind and I pray that you would draw people to yourself and overthrow sin in people's lives. Thank you for the work that only you can do and for the authority only You have.