Jesus’ authority over the demonic is demonstrated multiple times in the Gospels. As Jesus arrived in the region of the Gerasenes across the lake from Galilee by boat, a demon-possessed man confronted Him. For a long time, this man had lived among the tombs and was homeless and naked.
Although many people did not recognize that Jesus was the Messiah, the demons inside the man did, and they were afraid of His authority. Luke 8:28 As soon as he saw Jesus, he shrieked and fell down in front of him. Then he screamed, “Why are you interfering with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Please, I beg you, don’t torture me!” [1] As the man approached Jesus, the demons had to bow down to Him in grudging submission to His authority.
Jesus Cast Out the Demons
The demons begged Jesus to leave them alone, but Jesus did not grant their request. Instead of leaving the demons alone, He cast them out. Luke 8:29 For Jesus had already commanded the evil spirit to come out of him. This spirit had often taken control of the man. Even when he was placed under guard and put in chains and shackles, he simply broke them and rushed out into the wilderness, completely under the demon’s power. [2]
The demons may have broken off shackles with superhuman power, but they were powerless against Jesus. When Jesus demanded the demon to reveal his name, it was Legion, for many demons filled the man. Luke 8: 31 The demons kept begging Jesus not to send them into the bottomless pit. [3]
The demons recognized Jesus and understood who He is. They feared His power and their ultimate fate. Matthew 8:29 Have you come here to torture us before God’s appointed time?[4] When the demons asked to enter the nearby pigs, Jesus permitted them. Why didn’t Jesus destroy the demons? God does everything in His timing, and their destruction will come in the future.
The End of the Demonic
Jesus tells us what happens to the demonic realm. Matthew 25:41 “Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons.[5] The demons in our story knew their end and could do nothing to stop their eternal punishment.
The demonic activity in the world may continue for a while, but their end is drawing nearer by the day. As believers in Jesus, we can be thankful for Jesus’ authority over the demonic realm, which will one day come to an end.
To learn more about Jesus’ authority over the demonic, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/calming-of-two-storms
[1-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.