“Just then there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, saying, "What business do we have with each other, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are – the Holy One of God!" And Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be quiet, and come out of him!" Throwing him into convulsions, the unclean spirit cried out with a loud voice and came out of him” (Mark 1:23-26).
This encounter in a synagogue in Capernaum is interesting for its portrayal of the vulnerability of the demonic world in the presence of Jesus. Let’s notice how this servant of the prince of darkness cowered before the Son of God. First, the demon was timid in the presence of Jesus. “What business do we have with each other, Jesus of Nazareth?” He uttered no threats nor issued any challenges. One gets the sense that he was just fearfully awaiting Jesus’ declaration concerning what would happen to him. Second, the demon understood the mission of Jesus. “Have you come to destroy us?” Apparently he knew better than many others that Jesus came to earth to “destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8). All he could do was surrender to the inevitable. Third, the demon clearly recognized and acknowledged the identity of Jesus. “I know who You are – The Holy One of God!” There was no doubt in his mind regarding who Jesus claimed to be. Fourth, the demon had no choice but to obey the command of Jesus. When Jesus said, “Be quiet, and come out of him!”, he resisted but did as he was told. There is no debate as to who was in charge in this situation!
This text should be a comfort to anyone who is concerned about the evil that seems to fill our modern world. The Son of God who cast out a demon in Capernaum is the same Son of God who continues to terrify the forces of darkness today. Good will ultimately triumph over evil. Jesus guarantees it!
God loves you!
Mike
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