Jesus Works Against Satan – Family Devotion – June 14, 2021

Read: Mark 3:20-35

So Jesus called them over to him and began to speak to them in parables: “How can Satan drive out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come.
Mark 3:23-26

Jesus Works Against Satan

 

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

When is the last time you went to the zoo and saw a lion? Why did you feel safe seeing a lion even though lions are strong, ferocious animals with sharp teeth? Chances are you were standing behind a fence of some kind—a strong barrier between you and the lion. But if you jumped the fence and stood next to the lion, you would have every reason to not feel safe!

This week we’ll be talking about Satan, our enemy The Bible calls him a lion that’s prowling around, looking for someone to eat. Yikes! We want to be aware of Satan’s power and his desire to take down Christians because he is against God.

We’ll also be talking about the many ways Jesus is like a barrier between us and Satan. As long as we’re standing next to Jesus, he’ll keep us safe from Satan.

In our verses for today, Jesus points out that fact. Satan, who is only evil, and Jesus, who is only good, are enemies. Jesus went around driving demons out of people to help them. But some people accused Jesus of being on Satan’s side. They said he was using Satan’s power to drive out demons.

Jesus points out how silly that sounds. Why would Satan be against himself? The truth is Jesus and Satan are total opposites of each other.

Satan (and anyone against God) is not on your side. He is actually looking to harm you. BUT—you can live with confidence each day because Jesus is on your side and is against Satan. Best of all, he is stronger than Satan. He’s like an impenetrable barrier between you and Satan!

So, knowing this, you’re wise not to mess around with Satan or anything against God. How does Satan try to mess with us? Satan likes to use lies to deceive us. He also tries to use accusations and guilt to drive us to despair.

Surround yourself with God’s Word and God’s people who can point out Satan’s lies that you might be tempted to believe. Any time you feel Satan accusing you, just tell him “Jesus is on my side!”

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for being my barrier between me and Satan. Help me to always stay close you and to be aware of Satan. I know I have nothing to fear with you by my side. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• Is Satan mean or nice?
• Who is always working against Satan?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why does the Bible call the devil a lion?
• Think of two different ways that Satan tries to mess with us.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Discuss at least two common lies that Satan tries to get you and others to believe. How can you combat these lies?
• Satan likes to try and destroy us with accusations and guilt. What’s the way God wants you to deal with your guilt?

Hymn: CW 200:1,2 – A Mighty Fortress is Our God

A mighty fortress is our God, A trusty shield and weapon;
He helps us free from ev’ry need That has us now o’ertaken.
The old evil foe Now means deadly woe; Deep guile and great might
Are his dread arms in fight; On earth is not his equal.

With might of ours can naught be done; Soon were our loss effected.
But for us fights the valiant one Whom God himself elected.
You ask, “Who is this?” Jesus Christ it is, The almighty Lord.
And there’s no other God; He holds the field forever.