Jesus Teaches Demons

Stop.

Spend one minute writing down all the things that scare you or lead you into despair. Reflect on this list. In your simplest possible words, pray for God to release you from these things.

Listen.

But Jesus rebuked [the demon], saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” When the demon had thrown him down before them, he came out of him without having done him any harm. – Luke 4:35

Reflect.

Between Sunday’s preaching text (Luke 4:14-30) and next week’s text (Luke 5:1-11) there are a few stories that connect well to our worship theme “Meeting Jesus. Last time, we talked about Jesus’ teaching and authority. Today, we hear a more uncomfortable part of Jesus’ ministry: casting out demons. 

Many of us try to explain away demons in gospel stories. However, believers from a few hundred years ago, in much of global Christianity, or in some evangelical traditions still hold a very strong understanding of the forces of evil at work in the world and our need for Jesus’ power against them. Jesus’ authority over demons wasn’t a superstitious tale from a time long ago – it’s good news for us now. 

Ultimately, these stories of possession and exorcism show us that evil is real and Jesus has authority over it. Jesus comes to release all people from the power of sin and death in any form. Rather than trying to explain away a story like this one, Luke calls us to sit in the truth that we cannot free ourselves from these powers. With just a word from Jesus, all the forces that oppose God fall away.

Pray.

God, you sent Jesus to destroy the powers of sin, death, and the devil. May your Spirit also defeat all doubt, fear, and anxiety in my heart today. Free me to serve you in joy and peace. Amen.

Carry On.

This week, how can you take those things that most pull you from God and ask for Jesus to destroy them? What does Jesus need to rebuke in your life this week?