Evil spirits must obey Jesus, revealing God’s power and authority over satan and his minions. As Jesus was ministering in the synagogue on the Sabbath, satan had a plan to disrupt His teaching. The evil one sent a demon-possessed man into the synagogue. Suddenly, this demon-possessed man cried out, but Jesus turned this disruption into a victory.
Mark 1:24 “Why are you interfering with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” 25 But Jesus reprimanded him. “Be quiet! Come out of the man,” he ordered. 26 At that, the evil spirit screamed, threw the man into a convulsion, and then came out of him. [1]
The evil spirits are no match for Jesus, who is God, but also man. In every instance where demons possessed people confronted Jesus, they lost their power. The devil and his angels battle against God, but they have limits and always must obey the Lord. Whenever the enemy confronts Jesus, the Lord shows His power over them. When Jesus commanded the demon to leave, it left immediately.
Authority in the Name of Jesus
As believers in Jesus, the Lord empowers us to use His name when confronting the enemy. When the Apostle Paul was going to a prayer meeting, a demon-possessed woman harassed him. Acts 16:18 This went on day after day until Paul got so exasperated that he turned and said to the demon within her, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And instantly, it left her. [2] It was not Paul’s authority that caused the demon to leave the woman, but the authority of a believer using the name of Jesus.
A friend moved into a home that had strange demonic activity taking place. As time went on, this demonic activity continued, and finally, they moved out of the house and stayed with friends. Then they called a friend who was a faithful believer who prayed through the house and commanded any demonic spirits to leave in the name of Jesus. After this, the problem never reoccurred. This demonstration of the power of God led the couple to faith.
Taking a Step of Faith
As believers, Jesus gives us the power to use His name when confronting the enemy of our soul. Mark 16:17These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages.” [3] The power and authority to use the name of Jesus as a believer is real. May the Lord inspire you to rely on Him and call on His name in times of trouble.
To learn how evil spirits must obey Jesus, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/power-over-the-demonic
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.