READING: Matthew 7-8
It’s easy to be frightened by the topic of demons, but the Gospels remind us that the demons are no match for Jesus. Sometimes, the Word provides just a simple statement of Jesus’ power, like Matthew 8:16: “Many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word.” In the ancient world where exorcists and magicians had elaborate rituals and formulas to take on the demonic, Jesus exorcised them with simple statements; His power was in who He is, not in the number of words He used.
In other situations, the Word gives us more detail about an exorcism, though the result is the same. For example, Jesus faced two violent demon-possessed men who lived among the tombs, and He cast the demons out into a herd of pigs (Matt 8:28-34). What captures my attention is that the demons knew they were in trouble when Jesus showed up, for they knew He was the Son of God (Matt 8:29). They asked if He had come to torture them, and they begged Him, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs” (Matt 8:31). Jesus is so mighty that just His presence is enough to defeat the demons.
Also striking to me in today’s reading is the fact that false believers around Jesus had apparently been casting out demons (Matt 7:22). Jesus did not deny their claim, and it’s not clear if they were only doing magic tricks, operating in demonic power, or even being a tool in God’s sovereign hand. What is clear is that their outward expressions of spiritual power were not evidence of an inward conversion. The words of Jesus to them, “I never knew you” (Matt 7:23), ought to remind us that He who ruled over the demons also rules over our heart. We do not deceive Him, even when our “ministry” appears to be effective.
ACTION STEPS:
- Demons are focused on destruction, evidenced in their destroying the herd of pigs in Matthew 8. Thank God for His protective care through His indwelling Spirit.
- Honestly evaluate your own heart. Might Jesus say to you, “I never knew you”? If so, turn to Him today.
PRAYER: “God, I am so grateful that You are more powerful than all the forces the enemy can muster. You are the eternal victor!”
TOMORROW’S READING: Matthew 9-10