Demons

May 20

Read: Mark 1:21-39

Demons

“And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.” (v.34)

I have a hunch that demons are a whole lot more prevalent than we think. When we survey the launch of Jesus’ ministry, look at how often and with what numbers Jesus is found casting out demons and facing the demonic:

His ministry STARTS with a showdown with Satan in the wilderness. (v.12,13)

He walking into a synagogue in Capernaum and a man with a demon approaches him there. (v.23-28)

Outside the house of Simon and Peter “he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons.” (v.34)

Finally, in Chapter 1 alone Jesus “went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.” (v.39)

Multiple cities, multiple synagogues, MANY demons. What do we think happened to all these demons anyways? Where are they in 2022? Was there some sort of exodus or migration… that they all left earth and humans alone? Do we think that we have outgrown them?… That believing in these sorts of things is suspicious? Why would Jesus spend so much time casting our demons? This was not a marginal part of his ministry you know… but seemed to travel hand and hand with his teaching!

I want us to take particular notice of 2 things though. First off… we see that many times these people with demon problems are in the synagogue. (cf. v.21-28) Why is that? What would compel someone to come to a house of worship like that? Do you think it was the demons that were “driving” the person? The answer is NO. Demons do not voluntarily draw near to the things of the Lord. This helps paint a clearer picture of what it is like to have an evil spirit problem. It is not that you lose all ability to control yourself… but a process of losing freedom and life over time. These people with demon issues had enough control and volition to bring themselves to the synagogue and seek help. In particular, this man in verses 21-28 had enough power to STAY THERE when Jesus was present and teaching. We know that if demons had their way, they would run at the site of Jesus! What is true about evil spirits is also true about the Holy Spirit. When we are inhabited by the Holy Spirit, we still have the capacity to participate… to move… there is a certain amount of volition. We don’t become “Holy Spirit Robots” anymore than a person with a demon issue becomes and “Evil Spirit Robot”. As long as we are looking for some “eyes-rolled-back-walking-demon-robot-creature” we will look right over those who need help!

Secondly, this man with demon problems came to the synagogue looking for help. This is where he expected to find the solution. In the holy place… in the place of the scriptures… in the place where they worship God. I do not think that this is the first time that this man came here; but his problem remained until he met Jesus! The demons that haunt those around us… those who desperately need help… will not leave until they come face to face with Jesus. Those people with the demon issues need others around them that will bring the to Christ. Those struggling with evil spirit issues still have volition… they need to WANT to be set free and they need to use that volition to approach the one who can save them. As long as we think demons are “mythological” creatures … remnants of a bygone era… we will withhold from those around us the very remedy that they need… JESUS CHRIST. I wonder how often someone with this issue uses what little energy they have to get themselves to church (or to wherever they expect to find Christians / Jesus) and do not find Jesus there but rather a bunch of empty talk or political ideology or some other petty thing!?! I hesitate to write this next line but feel it is warranted: Are we giving counseling and medication to people who actually need Christ first? More often than not… it is ALL THREE - But to care for the body and mind while not dealing with the spirit seems foolish.

These demon encounters of Jesus show us a lot about living with a spirit inside of you. We live with The Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will lead us to the places were Jesus is… we just need to go there. When we find Jesus, it brings the restoration and hope we need in this world. For those wrestling with an evil spirit, they need the ones with Christ in them to bring Christ to them. The need to want to be healed! I will say, if you think an illness is made up or “fake”, you really won’t desire to be healed of it! May the Lord bring healing and hope through us as his people! Love you guys. - JDP