“Binding the Strong Man” — Mark 3:27
“No man can enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house.”
Also found in Matthew 12:29; Luke 11:21–22
Contextual Location:
The setting is public—among a crowd—where some marvel, but others accuse Him of casting out demons by Beelzebub, the prince of demons (Luke 11:15).
“When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are safe;
but when one stronger than he attacks him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted and divides his spoil.” — Luke 11:21–22
Location:
Region: Judea. Somewhere near or in Jerusalem, possibly in a synagogue or public gathering
Audience: A mixed crowd including skeptics, the religious elite, and the common people
What’s Happening?
In Mark 3, Jesus is healing the sick, casting out demons, and setting the oppressed free. His divine authority is evident—and it attracts both crowds and critics. The religious leaders, threatened by His power, accuse Him of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebub (Satan).
Jesus replies with spiritual logic and a piercing parable to expose the falsehood of their accusation and reveal a greater spiritual reality.
INTERPRETATION OF THE PARABLE
Key Symbols and Meanings:
The strong man — Satan, who holds people in bondage through sin, oppression, and deception.
The house — Satan’s domain: lives, systems, and bodies under darkness.
The goods — Souls, minds, destinies stolen and held captive.
The one who binds — Jesus Christ, the stronger One, who confronts and overthrows.
Spoiling the house — Deliverance, healing, restoration, and the recovery of what was stolen.
The Power of the Message
Jesus is not empowered by Satan—He is invading Satan’s house.
He declares by His works:
“I have entered the strong man’s house—not with his permission, but with My authority. I have already bound him. Now I am taking back what is Mine.”
This is not just a theological rebuttal; it is a kingdom declaration of total victory.
Spiritual Warfare Insight
You cannot reclaim what the enemy has stolen until the strong man is first bound.
Only Jesus has the power to bind Satan—and through union with Him, we participate in this work.
“This kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.” — Matthew 17:21 (KJV)
This binding is not done through shouting, emotion, or imitation—but through submission, fasting, prayer, and walking in obedience.
Discernment Point:
Spiritual warfare is not a performance. Authority is not a personality trait.
It is a consequence of surrender.
What has the enemy stolen from your life—peace, purity, calling, health, family, identity?
Jesus, through His life, death, and resurrection, has already bound the strong man.
“The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.” — 1 John 3:8
Now, you are called to walk in that authority—
To preach, heal, cast out, and reclaim what the enemy has no legal right to hold.
And Jesus did not only commission the Twelve…
“The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name!’” — Luke 10:17
Walking in Authority Today
Jesus sends His disciples to:
Preach – “And He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God…” — Luke 9:2
Heal – “They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” — Mark 16:18
Cast out – “He gave them authority over unclean spirits.” — Mark 6:7
Timeless Commission: For All Who Believe
This commission was never limited to the first twelve apostles, nor to the seventy(-two) disciples Jesus sent out (Luke 10:1,17). Yet many denominations today—particularly those who reject speaking in tongues, healing, and deliverance—claim these signs and gifts ceased with the apostolic era.
But where in the Word of God does Jesus ever say such power would end?
“These signs shall follow them that believe: In My name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues… they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”
— Mark 16:17–18 (KJV)
Jesus said “them that believe”, not “only the apostles” or “only until 100 AD.”
Surely, one does not need a theological degree to understand such plain words. With humble study, a sincere heart, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, every believer can discern the truth of Scripture.
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally… and it shall be given him.”
— James 1:5 (KJV)
We are told to study and be discerning:
“These were more noble… in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”
— Acts 17:11 (KJV)
So pray daily for wisdom, revelation, and understanding. Ask the Lord to embed His truth in your heart by His grace, not just by intellect.
The commission—to preach, heal, cast out, and make disciples—is not an expired command. It remains a living call to all who believe, follow, and obey.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
— Matthew 28:19–20 (ESV)
If you walk in His Word, you will walk in His authority.
A Word of Discernment
To walk forward in kingdom authority, we must also return—to the words of Jesus, to the simplicity of the Gospel, and to the purity of His commands.
Let us not be deceived by systems or theological frameworks that add layers between Christ and His people. While well-meaning, many traditions have divided the Body of Christ into over 2,000 denominations—each claiming truth, but not always remaining in His voice.
Jesus is not divided. His house is not divided.
Return to His words.
Remain in His love.
Obey His commands.
That is the way.
That is the truth.
That is the life.
Declare with Power:
The strong man is already bound.
Now it’s time to spoil his house.
In the name of Jesus—take back what is yours.