Parables of Jesus
The Strong Man
Various
Read: Matthew 12:29 Mark 3:27 Luke 11:21-22
SeeThe Parable of the strong man (a.k.a. the parable of the burglar) is told by Jesus in the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke.
This parable forms part of the Beelzebul controversy, where Jesus's opponents accuse him of gaining his power to exorcise demons by being in league with Satan. The common interpretation is that the strong man represents Satan and the attacker represents Jesus. Satan has control over the earth, but Jesus defeats Satan with his earthly ministry.
Jesus thus says that he could not perform exorcisms (represented by stealing the strong man's possessions) unless he was opposed to and had defeated – Satan. Some see the parable as echoing the Book of Isaiah:
"Can plunder be taken from warriors, or captives rescued from the fierce?
But this is what the LORD says:
'Yes, captives will be taken from warriors, and plunder retrieved from the fierce;
I will contend with those who contend with you, and your children I will save.'" (Isaiah 49:24–25)
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"The Strong Man"
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