What does Luke 11:22 mean?
Jesus continues His short parable about how Satan can't empower him because He is working to destroy Satan (Luke 11:14–20). Jesus portrays Satan as a strong man who has many defenses—including demonic servants—to keep his kingdom and possessions—including demon-oppressed people—secured. Jesus is stronger, however. During His earthly ministry, Jesus "attacks" by casting out demons and teaching repentance, rescuing many who lived under Satan's influence. At the resurrection Jesus will definitively defeat Satan (Colossians 2:8–15), and at the second coming Jesus' victory will be complete (Revelation 19:11—20:15).In this context, the "strong man" is Satan and "his own palace" is his control over the world (Luke 11:21). The "one stronger" is Jesus. The "armor" is demons. The "spoil" are those under Satan's control and torment.
The Jewish religious leaders—Pharisees and their lawyers—cannot imagine that they belong to Satan's spoils. Their own sons claim to cast out demons (Luke 11:19). They boldly declare that Abraham is their father (John 8:39). Jesus counters that their father is the Devil and they do his will (John 8:44). They are assets which Satan guards. Even if they are not possessed by demons, they, like the mute man, need to be freed from his palace (Luke 11:14).
In Matthew and Mark, Jesus follows this parable with the accusation that the religious leaders are committing blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. To look on Jesus' work that is by its nature only possible by the Holy Spirit and declare that it is from Satan is the highest blasphemy, and these religious leaders are in great danger of spending eternity with Satan in torment (Matthew 12:31–32; Mark 3:28–30).
