“One greater than Jonah is here”

Read Luke 11:24-32

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These three sections follow on from the Beelzebul controversy (11:14-23). Jesus has mentioned Jewish exorcists who can drive out demons (11:19), giving temporary relief. But Jesus can provide a permanent solution, through the presence of his Holy Spirit within us (24-26; 1 Cor.6:19; 1 Jn.4:4).

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In Mark and Matthew that previous section leads on to Jesus’s response to the misguided intervention of his family (Mk.3:20-21,31-35; Mt.12:46-50). Luke has already used this material in conclusion to the parable of the sower – “My mother and brother are those who hear God’s word and do it” (8:21). So here he uses a different incident to illustrate the same key point (27-28; Mt.7:21,24-27; Jas.1:22-25).

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The demand for a sign was also part of the previous issue (11:16). Signs are pointers, not proofs, and so faith based on signs is shallow (Jn.2:23-25) or even “wicked” (29). Faith must be in the one the signs point to – Jesus. The only miracle of convincing significance is his resurrection from the dead (“the sign of Jonah” 30; Mt.12:39-40). His hearers need to respond to his message in faith and repentance, in order to be ready for judgement day (31-32; 2 Th.1:8-10).