Daily Devotional | A Crossroad

A crossroad is the intersection of two roads. But it can also refer to a time in life where you need to make an important decision. Which way will you go? You can only choose one way. Today’s passage begins with another miracle. Jesus drove out a demon that had rendered a man mute, but Luke recounts this miracle with very few details. Instead, he gives considerable attention to the public discussion that followed as the debate surrounding Jesus’ identity continued to build.

People had three different opinions. Some in the crowd were amazed. Another group argued that His power was from Satan. Still others were reserving judgment until they had seen more miracles. Once again, Jesus knew their opinions even though they did not voice them. He addressed them directly, using simple logic to refute the claim of His connection to Satan. If Satan’s goal was destruction and Jesus was restoring health, how could they be aligned? They had completely different aims. Jesus also offered His commissioned Jewish followers—who were also driving out demons—as witnesses to the source of His authority.

Then, Jesus made this bold declaration: “If I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you” (v. 20). There were only two possibilities. No middle ground. Either Jesus was performing miracles by Satan’s power, or He was ushering in the kingdom of God. Essentially, He was calling people to a crossroad decision.

Jesus finished with another parable in which Satan was the strong man who could initially guard his home, until Jesus—the stronger one— attacked and dismantled his defense. Jesus’ miracles demonstrated—not a dependence on Satan—but a superior power over him. Finally, Jesus gave an ultimatum. “Whoever is not with me is against me” (v. 23). It was time to choose.

>> What was your “crossroad moment” with Jesus? Pray for anyone you know who is at that point right now—that they would choose Him.