Jesus' Authority over Demons

Some people playfully use the phrase, “The devil made me do it.” Usually, they’re kidding. But they are flirting with a subject that is far more real than they know.

Mention the word “devil” and a Halloween street scene comes to mind with red-suited, barb-tailed, pitchfork-wielding devils of all sizes mixed in with princesses, witches and superheroes. But evil is a dark reality in the world today. And it has been since the seduction of Eve.

In this passage, we meet a man possessed by evil spirits and see their destructive power in his life. We also see Jesus banish these demons and restore the man to peace and health.

As this passage unfolds, Jesus and his disciples have just arrived by boat on the east shore of the Sea of Galilee. During the crossing, Jesus demonstrated his power over nature by calming the wind and sea during a fierce storm. Now he displays his authority over the spirit realm. And it was quite a display:

• a demon-possessed man long known in the community for his erratic behaviour and superhuman strength, now sitting at Jesus’ feet, clothed and in his right mind
• demons begging for mercy from Jesus
• a herd of pigs rushing down a steep hillside into the lake, where they all drowned.

There was no doubt that Jesus had done something beyond human explanation. There were two responses to this supernatural event—the people of the region were overcome with fear (v 37), and the man who had been set free told people all over town how much Jesus had done for him (v. 39).

Whether we fear Jesus or love him depends on our relationship to him. Have you taken time to get to know him?

Respond in Prayer

Almighty God, at whose word even demons tremble, set me free from anything that binds me. Fill me with such joy that I can’t help telling others what you have done for me. Through the all-powerful name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Bill Bonikowsky

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® (NIV®).