READING: Matthew 11-12
The devil is both subtle and slick. He operates on the sly, and he often does it in such a way that we don’t recognize what he’s doing until it’s almost too late. We see an example of this operating style in today’s reading.
Jesus decidedly displayed His power when He healed a demon-possessed man who could not see or talk. We’re not told how Jesus worked the miracle, but we are told the result: “he healed him, so that the man spoke and saw” (Matt 12:22). The evil spirit’s power was broken, and the man’s muteness and blindness disappeared. Like with other miracles, the crowd was filled with wonder.
God displayed His glory through exorcism and healing. The enemy lost his hold in the possessed man’s life. The people offered praise to Jesus. Even if they likely were not yet ready to follow Him fully, they recognized that Jesus was not just another teacher. He was a miracle-worker — the victor over the devil, the Son of David.
What was Satan’s response? To lead the Pharisees, religious leaders of the day, to question the source of Jesus’ power. “It is only by Beelzebul the prince of demons, that this man casts out demons,” they said (Matt 12:24). This claim made little sense — for why would Satan stand against himself — but the enemy is seldom concerned about logic. His goal was not to enter a debate with the people; it was simply to raise doubt about what Jesus had just done. Just an inkling that perhaps Jesus was only a charlatan operating in the devil’s power might have been enough to turn people from following Him.
The enemy still operates that way, actually. I can hear him whispering just enough doubt in our ears to make us question:
- “The Bible isn’t the Word of God. It’s just the thoughts of man.”
- “Christianity is just another religion, and religion is only for weak people.”
- “You’ve believed this stuff only because your parents did. Have you ever really thought about this?”
- “Surely Jesus isn’t the only way to God. That’s too unfair to those who’ve never heard about Him.”
When those doubts come, we need to, in the power of the Holy Spirit, drive the enemy’s influence out of our head. The Word becomes our refuge, prayer becomes our strength, and believers become our support system.
Jesus does not operate by the power of the devil. No, He who drives out the demons rules over the devil. He has bound the strongman, entered the enemy’s house, and plundered his kingdom (Matt 12:29).
ACTION STEPS:
- If the enemy has caused you to doubt today, talk to a brother or sister in Christ. Study the Word and pray together.
- In Christ, we have power over the demonic. Thank Him for that authority.
PRAYER: “God, free me of my doubts today. Give me courage to drive out of my mind the words of the enemy.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Matthew 13-14
