73. OVERCOMING DEMONSWhy are demons afraid of Jesus?
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What can we know with certainty about demons? Are they good or bad? Are they clever or dumb? Do they really exist? These are just a few questions that each of us have about the invisible realm. From scriptures we learn clearly that an invisible realm does exist. There is a God, Satan, angels, and demons. Loyal angels are strong, noble, and good servants of God. But what about demons?
Occasionally in life, there is hard evidence that some other unexplainable force is at work. Is there any way to understand this? In this lesson we will learn biblical principles of what demons are, where they come from, and what they do by looking at the experience of a man who was possessed by a demon and freed. But first a few words from a very wise father.
Metin worked as a forest ranger between Izmir and Manisa. Every day he walked his route with a gun slung over his shoulder. His job was to guard the forest and the people who lived nearby. Sometimes he would have to shoot wild pigs and dogs. He also made sure that people weren’t stealing lumbered trees. Of course he watched for forest fires in the summer because careless picnickers from the city often left fires untended.
One dark stormy night, while his wife was in the kitchen cooking, he sat with his aging father near the stove in their village house. The wind outside was strong and it made strange noises as it blew through the rafters of the house.
Metin’s seven-year-old son, Remzi, asked him, “Dad do you think those sounds are demons?”
Metin looked surprised and asked, “What makes you think that son?”
The boy said, “The kids at school have been talking about demons lately. They said they live in trees and old buildings. Is that true?”
Metin thought for a moment and then said, “Well, Remzi, I can tell you the truth, or I can tell you fables. Which do you want to hear?”
Up to this moment, the boy had been sitting next to the window looking outside, suddenly he turned, looked at his father, and said,
“Well, of course Dad, I want to know the truth.”
Metin asked the boy another question, “How do you think you can know the truth about something you have never seen?”
Remzi sat for a moment in silence. The father helped his son by asking,
“Have you ever seen a forest fire?”
The boy said, “No.”
Metin continued, “But you know they exist because I have taken you to see the black hills covered with ashes. You know that the only thing that can make a forest into a barren, black wasteland is a fire. Plus, you trust what I say because I am your father and a forest ranger who has seen many forest fires.”
The boy pressed, “What about demons? Where do they live, and what do they do?”
I have a question for you son. Is fire good or bad?” Remzi blurted out, “Bad.”
The father said, “Before I answer your question, I have one more.
Then blinking he said, “I mean, unless I want to eat barbeque, then it’s good. I mean it is bad if it burns me or someone’s house or a whole forest. But it is good if it is under control.”
The father looked at his son, “Good job! You were right by saying, “under control.” Now listen to me closely and I will tell you the truth about demons. The scriptures say that God’s angels are like flames of fire.51 But different than real fire, they are intelligent, powerful, and do God’s business. Like fire, they are “safe” when they are “under control.” For an angel, that means, conforming to God’s laws. God’s laws are about love and unselfishness.”
Pointing to his wife at the kitchen stove Metin continued, “Fire is meant to be our servant, to warm our house, cook our food, even clean up an area. But it must be under our control. Similarly angels are God’s servants who do good, protect people, and deliver messages. These are all good things while under God’s control and direction."
Then speaking very seriously making clear and deliberate sentences he said, “However, son, not all angels are ‘under control.’ We know that some angels stopped following God’s laws and are like wild fire. They are ‘out of control’ and very dangerous."
“Well how did that happen?” Remzi asked.
Metin went over to a cabinet and pulled out a tiny book.
“This, my son, is a New Testament. It is part of God’s holy writings, which were given to us as a guide to stay on the straight
path. Without it, we can never understand what God has revealed to humans. Unfortunately, not a lot of people have these.”
Flipping the pages carefully but purposely, Metin leaned up close to the light bulb and said,
“Listen. I am reading from the last section called Revelation. Here it is chapter 12 verses 7- 9.”
7 And war broke out in Heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, 8 but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in Heaven any longer. 9 So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who leads the whole world astray; he was cast out onto the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
Remzi gulped.
“Satan was thrown to the earth?”
“You asked for the truth.” His father said. “ Now, let me ask you. According to what I just read, who is the dragon?”
Remzi whispered, “Satan.”
“Right.” Metin continued. “Now did you notice that it says the dragon had angels fighting with him against God? According to the Bible, a portion of the angels that had been ‘under God’s control’ rebelled with Satan and chose him as their leader. In other words he deceived them into disobeying God’s law of love and subjected them to his own laws of evil.”
Remzi said, “So, Dad, are you saying demons are really angels turned bad?”
Just then his mother who had been in the kitchen listening said, “Exactly right my boy. Now you are beginning to understand.”
Wiping her hands on her apron she continued, “TV shows like to portray genies in a silly way by making them look dumb or comic. But really they are intelligent beings that work for Satan. They are fallen angels determined to harm people."
Metin inserted, “They fight against God and all that is good. Like a forest fire raging out of control they destroy people’s lives.”
“What? Do they burn people?” Remzi inquired.
“No. Well, they would if God didn’t restrict them.”
Metin looked at his son inquisitively for a moment, wondering if a seven year old could follow what he was saying.
“Demons are angels working with Satan to lead people away from God. They rebelled against God and want others to join them in their rebellion.”
It was silent for a moment while the wind howled outside.
Remzi sat quietly for a while and then said to his father, “So all the stories of genies being playful and silly are wrong. They are actually tricking us to believe something that isn’t true.”
Metin, surprised at his son’s discernment responded in a very reflective tone.
“Yes son, there is a war. Demons will do all they can to make us believe that their side is harmless. Because if they can trick us, they will be more free to accomplish their goal of destroying as many people as possible.”
After a moment of pondering Remzi said, “Thanks dad for telling me the truth.”
Then, stepping near the stove and putting out his hands, he smiled and said, "I am glad we have the stove to keep us warm this winter. It’s fire under control.”
While here on earth Jesus encountered demons on many occasions. Eyewitness accounts testify to demons possessing people and abusing them. In each of these stories, Jesus cast out the demons and helped individuals regain control and authority over their own
lives. Let’s look at one such account in Luke chapter 4 verses 31-34:
31 And He went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and was teaching them on the Sabbaths. 32 And they were astonished at His teaching, for His word was with authority. 33 And in the synagogue there was a man who had a spirit of an unclean demon. And he cried out with a loud voice, 34 saying, Leave us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are; the Holy One of God!
Imagine what it was like in that synagogue. People had come there to pray and read God’s word. In the middle of Jesus' teaching, while the people were quietly listening, this wild man began to shout in a shrill demonic pitch. He was obviously out of his mind and under the control of evil forces because he spoke of himself in the plural.
"Leave us alone! What have we to do with you, Jesus?"
Have you ever been in the presence of someone you didn’t like? Perhaps you felt irritated and your heart was racing. Imagine if it was so unbearable you cried out for the person to leave. That is basically what happened for the demons. They were unable to be in the presence of Jesus. Like cockroaches fleeing when the kitchen light is turned on, these demons wanted out of Jesus’ way!
Though depicted in many horror films as ctitious events, the reality is that demon possession really happens. It is a reality which psychology struggles to adequately explain. Superhuman strength, multiple voices, clairvoyance, oating objects, and disappearing gures are all paranormal activities associated with demonic activity. Fortunately, it is also true that there are principles and laws that govern how the supernatural works. If we choose to follow these principles, there is salvation and freedom for those who are harrassed or possessed. Some have seen demon possession frightfully close. Thankfully, we don’t encounter this kind of thing everyday!
Around the world, and within our homeland from Istanbul to Van, from Trabzon to Antalya, there are many people desperate for help and who want relief from demonic oppression. Let’s see how Jesus provided that kind of help and relief by reading Luke chapter 4 verse 34:
34 saying, Leave us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are; the Holy One of God!
In this verse we see the first principle. Demons are terrified of Jesus. Why? Because they know that Jesus has the authority of God. There is a war between good and evil, fought on both earth and in the heavens. Jesus is the captain of goodness, and demons are the pawns of Satan. Who is stronger? Of course, Jesus is! Did Satan overcome Jesus when he tempted him in the desert? No. Just the opposite, Jesus overcame Satan. If Satan can’t overcome Jesus, how could demons ever hope to?
What was the source of Jesus’ power over evil? His power was derived from the relationship he had with God and the authority he had been given. The demons themselves acknowledged this when they said,
“We know who you are, the Holy one of God!”
Jesus had a title that was higher than every other. He was the Messiah, the one anointed to liberate the human race from the slavery of Satan. Do you remember where the very first promise of the coming Messiah was mentioned? In Genesis chapter 3 verse 15, God told the serpent, or Satan, that one would come and crush his head,
15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.”
Did you notice that it says He? This wasn’t a message in general. It was speci cally pointing forward to a special person, the Messiah.
Let's see how Jesus responded to the demoniac in Luke chapter 4 verse 35:
35 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him into their midst, it came out of him and did not hurt him.
The second principle is that demons are subject to Jesus’ commands. Just like nature responded to Jesus’ words, the demons obeyed his command to leave the man. Jesus has authority over demons and the invisible realm. His words have power. Read them, memorize them, and live by them.
It is interesting to note what the demons feared. “Have you come to destroy us?” they asked.
They know that this is their ultimate fate. Did you know that one of Jesus’ jobs is to destroy the demons?! We can read about it in Matthew chapter 25 verse 41:
41 Then He will also say to those on the left hand, Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire having been prepared for the devil and his angels.
In short, Jesus has power over demons because he has Gods’ authority, the power to overcome evil, and the right to judge.
Let’s look at another incident when Jesus encountered demons. We can read the story in Luke chapter 8 verses 26-31:
26 And they sailed to the country of the Gadarenes, which is across from Galilee. 27 And when He stepped out onto the land, there met Him a certain man from the city who had demons for a long time. And he wore no clothes, nor did he live in a house but among the tombs. 28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out, fell down before Him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me! 29 For He had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For it had often seized him, and he was kept under guard, bound with chains and shackles; and he broke the bonds and was driven by the demons into the wilderness. 30 Jesus asked him, saying, What is your name? And he said, Legion, because many demons had entered him. 31 And they begged Him that He would not command them to go out into the abyss.
What a welcome! Immediately after stepping out of the boat, Jesus was confronted by a maniac. The man was naked, bleeding, and acting like a wild animal, all signs of demonic possession. So how did he become possessed? Unfortunately, we are not told that part of the story. But, by looking at other parts of scripture and reviewing the experiences of people with similar problems we can learn that there are certain things that invite demonic powers. For example, involvement in spiritualism, casting spells, and sorcery can all lead to demon possession. Harboring deep-seated resentment, being unforgiving, and hatred, including self-hate, can also be an open invitation to demons. Exposure to the occult through lm or music is also a way in which Satan and his angels take “possession” of a person.52 Can you think of any reason why you should be involved in any of these things?
Let’s return to the story of Jesus and the demon-possessed maniac on the beach. The demons were begging Jesus not to throw them into the abyss. Based on their plea, it is obvious that Jesus is not only strong enough to destroy them but that the demons expect to be destroyed! They know that God will punish them for their evil acts. In spiritual warfare, only spiritual strength matters. In this sense Jesus was a strong man. When Jesus asked their name, they said, “Legion.” A roman legion was about 6000 men. In other words, this man was possessed by more than one demon. But it didn't matter how many there were, Jesus was stronger. He could destroy them and free the man with one word. Let’s continue in Luke chapter 8 verses 32-35:
32 Now a herd of many swine was feeding there on the mountain. So they begged Him that He would permit them to enter them. And He permitted them. 33 Then the demons went out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the lake and drowned. 34 When those who fed them saw what had happened, they ed and told it in the city and in the country. 35 Then they went out to see what had happened, and came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid.
Pigs! What a clever solution to the problem! Just like the Bible tells us that eating pig is forbidden, the ending of this story is a great reminder that we should also view demons as unclean and forbidden. They can not and will not ever be of any benefit to us. They will only cause harm, sickness, and death.
In the end we see the man “sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind.” Jesus restored this man to sanity. In a sense, many people are insane with worries, fears, and problems. If Jesus can bring peace to a demoniac, what can he do for you?
Part of Jesus' ministry was to help those under the influence of demonic power. In fact, he was so concerned with it that he sent out his disciples, in his name, to rebuke the demons. Let’s read Luke chapter 10 verses 17 and 18 to see what happened when they returned:
17 Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name. 18 And He said to them, I saw Satan fall like lightning from Heaven.
What was the key that made the demons submit? Jesus' name. Yes, the demons knew who Jesus was and their powers were no match for him.
One day Metin was walking his route between villages when he saw a truck backing up to the edge of an abandoned road on the forests edge. Metin knew immediately what was happening. Some men were about to illegally dump a big load of construction debris. The truck was loaded with broken bricks, concrete, and glass. It was Metin’s job to defend the forest against such intruders. The truck engine was roaring, and any second the dump truck bed would begin to raise, pouring its contents into a pile. Metin knew if he didn’t act immediately all that garbage would lay on the forest’s edge for centuries. He pointed his shotgun at the air and fired. BAM! The two men looked at Metin in shock. They knew who Metin was and what he could do to them. In an instant, the two men jumped into the truck and fled away. But it was too late; Metin got their license plate number.
What do you think the men were really afraid of? Although Metin had a shotgun, the men were really afraid of his authority which had been appointed by the Turkish government! Consider these words of Jesus in Luke chapter 11 verses 20-22:
20 But if I by the finger of God cast out demons, then is the kingdom of God come upon you. 21 When the strong man fully armed guardeth his own court, his goods are in peace: 22 but when a man stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him his whole armor wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.
Yes, Satan is a strong man. But Jesus is the stronger man! In the invisible realm among angels, demons, and Satan himself, Jesus has no equal; he is superior. The demons knew who he was and ed when they saw him. The good news is that Jesus is alive today. He is still winning victories for those who call on him. When you are down and out, when you feel like you can’t take it anymore, if you
feel like Satan or his demons are trying to push you down, call on the name of Jesus and he will save you!
Discussion Questions
1. Why did Metin ask his son if he wanted to hear fables or the truth?
2. According to the Bible, where do demons come from?
3. Why are demons afraid of Jesus?
4. Who did the demons say Jesus was?
5. How could a person living in fear of evil spiritual forces nd help from Jesus today?
51 Psalm 104:4
52 For more on this subject review Fate Changer Book 2 lesson 18, which covers the sad demise of King Saul. His immense hatred and jealousy toward David clouded his judgment and invited demons into his life. In the end, he commited suicide. Death is always the demons' greatest aim.
Occasionally in life, there is hard evidence that some other unexplainable force is at work. Is there any way to understand this? In this lesson we will learn biblical principles of what demons are, where they come from, and what they do by looking at the experience of a man who was possessed by a demon and freed. But first a few words from a very wise father.
Metin worked as a forest ranger between Izmir and Manisa. Every day he walked his route with a gun slung over his shoulder. His job was to guard the forest and the people who lived nearby. Sometimes he would have to shoot wild pigs and dogs. He also made sure that people weren’t stealing lumbered trees. Of course he watched for forest fires in the summer because careless picnickers from the city often left fires untended.
One dark stormy night, while his wife was in the kitchen cooking, he sat with his aging father near the stove in their village house. The wind outside was strong and it made strange noises as it blew through the rafters of the house.
Metin’s seven-year-old son, Remzi, asked him, “Dad do you think those sounds are demons?”
Metin looked surprised and asked, “What makes you think that son?”
The boy said, “The kids at school have been talking about demons lately. They said they live in trees and old buildings. Is that true?”
Metin thought for a moment and then said, “Well, Remzi, I can tell you the truth, or I can tell you fables. Which do you want to hear?”
Up to this moment, the boy had been sitting next to the window looking outside, suddenly he turned, looked at his father, and said,
“Well, of course Dad, I want to know the truth.”
Metin asked the boy another question, “How do you think you can know the truth about something you have never seen?”
Remzi sat for a moment in silence. The father helped his son by asking,
“Have you ever seen a forest fire?”
The boy said, “No.”
Metin continued, “But you know they exist because I have taken you to see the black hills covered with ashes. You know that the only thing that can make a forest into a barren, black wasteland is a fire. Plus, you trust what I say because I am your father and a forest ranger who has seen many forest fires.”
The boy pressed, “What about demons? Where do they live, and what do they do?”
I have a question for you son. Is fire good or bad?” Remzi blurted out, “Bad.”
The father said, “Before I answer your question, I have one more.
Then blinking he said, “I mean, unless I want to eat barbeque, then it’s good. I mean it is bad if it burns me or someone’s house or a whole forest. But it is good if it is under control.”
The father looked at his son, “Good job! You were right by saying, “under control.” Now listen to me closely and I will tell you the truth about demons. The scriptures say that God’s angels are like flames of fire.51 But different than real fire, they are intelligent, powerful, and do God’s business. Like fire, they are “safe” when they are “under control.” For an angel, that means, conforming to God’s laws. God’s laws are about love and unselfishness.”
Pointing to his wife at the kitchen stove Metin continued, “Fire is meant to be our servant, to warm our house, cook our food, even clean up an area. But it must be under our control. Similarly angels are God’s servants who do good, protect people, and deliver messages. These are all good things while under God’s control and direction."
Then speaking very seriously making clear and deliberate sentences he said, “However, son, not all angels are ‘under control.’ We know that some angels stopped following God’s laws and are like wild fire. They are ‘out of control’ and very dangerous."
“Well how did that happen?” Remzi asked.
Metin went over to a cabinet and pulled out a tiny book.
“This, my son, is a New Testament. It is part of God’s holy writings, which were given to us as a guide to stay on the straight
path. Without it, we can never understand what God has revealed to humans. Unfortunately, not a lot of people have these.”
Flipping the pages carefully but purposely, Metin leaned up close to the light bulb and said,
“Listen. I am reading from the last section called Revelation. Here it is chapter 12 verses 7- 9.”
7 And war broke out in Heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, 8 but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in Heaven any longer. 9 So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who leads the whole world astray; he was cast out onto the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
Remzi gulped.
“Satan was thrown to the earth?”
“You asked for the truth.” His father said. “ Now, let me ask you. According to what I just read, who is the dragon?”
Remzi whispered, “Satan.”
“Right.” Metin continued. “Now did you notice that it says the dragon had angels fighting with him against God? According to the Bible, a portion of the angels that had been ‘under God’s control’ rebelled with Satan and chose him as their leader. In other words he deceived them into disobeying God’s law of love and subjected them to his own laws of evil.”
Remzi said, “So, Dad, are you saying demons are really angels turned bad?”
Just then his mother who had been in the kitchen listening said, “Exactly right my boy. Now you are beginning to understand.”
Wiping her hands on her apron she continued, “TV shows like to portray genies in a silly way by making them look dumb or comic. But really they are intelligent beings that work for Satan. They are fallen angels determined to harm people."
Metin inserted, “They fight against God and all that is good. Like a forest fire raging out of control they destroy people’s lives.”
“What? Do they burn people?” Remzi inquired.
“No. Well, they would if God didn’t restrict them.”
Metin looked at his son inquisitively for a moment, wondering if a seven year old could follow what he was saying.
“Demons are angels working with Satan to lead people away from God. They rebelled against God and want others to join them in their rebellion.”
It was silent for a moment while the wind howled outside.
Remzi sat quietly for a while and then said to his father, “So all the stories of genies being playful and silly are wrong. They are actually tricking us to believe something that isn’t true.”
Metin, surprised at his son’s discernment responded in a very reflective tone.
“Yes son, there is a war. Demons will do all they can to make us believe that their side is harmless. Because if they can trick us, they will be more free to accomplish their goal of destroying as many people as possible.”
After a moment of pondering Remzi said, “Thanks dad for telling me the truth.”
Then, stepping near the stove and putting out his hands, he smiled and said, "I am glad we have the stove to keep us warm this winter. It’s fire under control.”
While here on earth Jesus encountered demons on many occasions. Eyewitness accounts testify to demons possessing people and abusing them. In each of these stories, Jesus cast out the demons and helped individuals regain control and authority over their own
lives. Let’s look at one such account in Luke chapter 4 verses 31-34:
31 And He went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and was teaching them on the Sabbaths. 32 And they were astonished at His teaching, for His word was with authority. 33 And in the synagogue there was a man who had a spirit of an unclean demon. And he cried out with a loud voice, 34 saying, Leave us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are; the Holy One of God!
Imagine what it was like in that synagogue. People had come there to pray and read God’s word. In the middle of Jesus' teaching, while the people were quietly listening, this wild man began to shout in a shrill demonic pitch. He was obviously out of his mind and under the control of evil forces because he spoke of himself in the plural.
"Leave us alone! What have we to do with you, Jesus?"
Have you ever been in the presence of someone you didn’t like? Perhaps you felt irritated and your heart was racing. Imagine if it was so unbearable you cried out for the person to leave. That is basically what happened for the demons. They were unable to be in the presence of Jesus. Like cockroaches fleeing when the kitchen light is turned on, these demons wanted out of Jesus’ way!
Though depicted in many horror films as ctitious events, the reality is that demon possession really happens. It is a reality which psychology struggles to adequately explain. Superhuman strength, multiple voices, clairvoyance, oating objects, and disappearing gures are all paranormal activities associated with demonic activity. Fortunately, it is also true that there are principles and laws that govern how the supernatural works. If we choose to follow these principles, there is salvation and freedom for those who are harrassed or possessed. Some have seen demon possession frightfully close. Thankfully, we don’t encounter this kind of thing everyday!
Around the world, and within our homeland from Istanbul to Van, from Trabzon to Antalya, there are many people desperate for help and who want relief from demonic oppression. Let’s see how Jesus provided that kind of help and relief by reading Luke chapter 4 verse 34:
34 saying, Leave us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are; the Holy One of God!
In this verse we see the first principle. Demons are terrified of Jesus. Why? Because they know that Jesus has the authority of God. There is a war between good and evil, fought on both earth and in the heavens. Jesus is the captain of goodness, and demons are the pawns of Satan. Who is stronger? Of course, Jesus is! Did Satan overcome Jesus when he tempted him in the desert? No. Just the opposite, Jesus overcame Satan. If Satan can’t overcome Jesus, how could demons ever hope to?
What was the source of Jesus’ power over evil? His power was derived from the relationship he had with God and the authority he had been given. The demons themselves acknowledged this when they said,
“We know who you are, the Holy one of God!”
Jesus had a title that was higher than every other. He was the Messiah, the one anointed to liberate the human race from the slavery of Satan. Do you remember where the very first promise of the coming Messiah was mentioned? In Genesis chapter 3 verse 15, God told the serpent, or Satan, that one would come and crush his head,
15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.”
Did you notice that it says He? This wasn’t a message in general. It was speci cally pointing forward to a special person, the Messiah.
Let's see how Jesus responded to the demoniac in Luke chapter 4 verse 35:
35 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him into their midst, it came out of him and did not hurt him.
The second principle is that demons are subject to Jesus’ commands. Just like nature responded to Jesus’ words, the demons obeyed his command to leave the man. Jesus has authority over demons and the invisible realm. His words have power. Read them, memorize them, and live by them.
It is interesting to note what the demons feared. “Have you come to destroy us?” they asked.
They know that this is their ultimate fate. Did you know that one of Jesus’ jobs is to destroy the demons?! We can read about it in Matthew chapter 25 verse 41:
41 Then He will also say to those on the left hand, Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire having been prepared for the devil and his angels.
In short, Jesus has power over demons because he has Gods’ authority, the power to overcome evil, and the right to judge.
Let’s look at another incident when Jesus encountered demons. We can read the story in Luke chapter 8 verses 26-31:
26 And they sailed to the country of the Gadarenes, which is across from Galilee. 27 And when He stepped out onto the land, there met Him a certain man from the city who had demons for a long time. And he wore no clothes, nor did he live in a house but among the tombs. 28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out, fell down before Him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me! 29 For He had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For it had often seized him, and he was kept under guard, bound with chains and shackles; and he broke the bonds and was driven by the demons into the wilderness. 30 Jesus asked him, saying, What is your name? And he said, Legion, because many demons had entered him. 31 And they begged Him that He would not command them to go out into the abyss.
What a welcome! Immediately after stepping out of the boat, Jesus was confronted by a maniac. The man was naked, bleeding, and acting like a wild animal, all signs of demonic possession. So how did he become possessed? Unfortunately, we are not told that part of the story. But, by looking at other parts of scripture and reviewing the experiences of people with similar problems we can learn that there are certain things that invite demonic powers. For example, involvement in spiritualism, casting spells, and sorcery can all lead to demon possession. Harboring deep-seated resentment, being unforgiving, and hatred, including self-hate, can also be an open invitation to demons. Exposure to the occult through lm or music is also a way in which Satan and his angels take “possession” of a person.52 Can you think of any reason why you should be involved in any of these things?
Let’s return to the story of Jesus and the demon-possessed maniac on the beach. The demons were begging Jesus not to throw them into the abyss. Based on their plea, it is obvious that Jesus is not only strong enough to destroy them but that the demons expect to be destroyed! They know that God will punish them for their evil acts. In spiritual warfare, only spiritual strength matters. In this sense Jesus was a strong man. When Jesus asked their name, they said, “Legion.” A roman legion was about 6000 men. In other words, this man was possessed by more than one demon. But it didn't matter how many there were, Jesus was stronger. He could destroy them and free the man with one word. Let’s continue in Luke chapter 8 verses 32-35:
32 Now a herd of many swine was feeding there on the mountain. So they begged Him that He would permit them to enter them. And He permitted them. 33 Then the demons went out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the lake and drowned. 34 When those who fed them saw what had happened, they ed and told it in the city and in the country. 35 Then they went out to see what had happened, and came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid.
Pigs! What a clever solution to the problem! Just like the Bible tells us that eating pig is forbidden, the ending of this story is a great reminder that we should also view demons as unclean and forbidden. They can not and will not ever be of any benefit to us. They will only cause harm, sickness, and death.
In the end we see the man “sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind.” Jesus restored this man to sanity. In a sense, many people are insane with worries, fears, and problems. If Jesus can bring peace to a demoniac, what can he do for you?
Part of Jesus' ministry was to help those under the influence of demonic power. In fact, he was so concerned with it that he sent out his disciples, in his name, to rebuke the demons. Let’s read Luke chapter 10 verses 17 and 18 to see what happened when they returned:
17 Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name. 18 And He said to them, I saw Satan fall like lightning from Heaven.
What was the key that made the demons submit? Jesus' name. Yes, the demons knew who Jesus was and their powers were no match for him.
One day Metin was walking his route between villages when he saw a truck backing up to the edge of an abandoned road on the forests edge. Metin knew immediately what was happening. Some men were about to illegally dump a big load of construction debris. The truck was loaded with broken bricks, concrete, and glass. It was Metin’s job to defend the forest against such intruders. The truck engine was roaring, and any second the dump truck bed would begin to raise, pouring its contents into a pile. Metin knew if he didn’t act immediately all that garbage would lay on the forest’s edge for centuries. He pointed his shotgun at the air and fired. BAM! The two men looked at Metin in shock. They knew who Metin was and what he could do to them. In an instant, the two men jumped into the truck and fled away. But it was too late; Metin got their license plate number.
What do you think the men were really afraid of? Although Metin had a shotgun, the men were really afraid of his authority which had been appointed by the Turkish government! Consider these words of Jesus in Luke chapter 11 verses 20-22:
20 But if I by the finger of God cast out demons, then is the kingdom of God come upon you. 21 When the strong man fully armed guardeth his own court, his goods are in peace: 22 but when a man stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him his whole armor wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.
Yes, Satan is a strong man. But Jesus is the stronger man! In the invisible realm among angels, demons, and Satan himself, Jesus has no equal; he is superior. The demons knew who he was and ed when they saw him. The good news is that Jesus is alive today. He is still winning victories for those who call on him. When you are down and out, when you feel like you can’t take it anymore, if you
feel like Satan or his demons are trying to push you down, call on the name of Jesus and he will save you!
Discussion Questions
1. Why did Metin ask his son if he wanted to hear fables or the truth?
2. According to the Bible, where do demons come from?
3. Why are demons afraid of Jesus?
4. Who did the demons say Jesus was?
5. How could a person living in fear of evil spiritual forces nd help from Jesus today?
51 Psalm 104:4
52 For more on this subject review Fate Changer Book 2 lesson 18, which covers the sad demise of King Saul. His immense hatred and jealousy toward David clouded his judgment and invited demons into his life. In the end, he commited suicide. Death is always the demons' greatest aim.