20 “But if I cast out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. Luke 11:20 (NAS)

Jesus had just exorcised a demon from a dumb man and he spoke! The leaders claimed he used Satan’s power, not God’s to do it. But he in fact used the “finger of God.”

This was a figurative statement to show the lack of effort necessary to do what he did. He did not have to go the “whole nine yards” and use a “mighty hand” or “outstretched arm” (Deuteronomy 7:19).

Really, he didn’t even need to lift a finger. After pointing out the fallacy of the leaders’ claim, Jesus paints himself as the “strong man, fully armed.” Those in his house and their possessions are safe and secure. There is no one stronger.

It was obvious that the kingdom of God was in their midst, i.e., Jesus. At least one woman in the crowd understood what was going on, blurting out,

“Blessed is the womb that bore You and the breasts at which You nursed.” But He said, “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.” Luke 11:27-28

We needn’t lift a finger in the trials we face in life. The strong man’s by our side.