As followers of Jesus, it is naive to think that we will be sheltered from evil. Satan is happy to invade our lives wherever and whenever he can. However, Jesus’ authority is much greater than Satan’s. He can’t stay long where Jesus is. The movies today always portray demons as growing in power when confronted by the power of Jesus and true faith. The reality is that demons diminish in power when they are confronted. In the movies, demons make fun of and ridicule; even ignore the true faith of the believer that has Jesus in his/her heart. In reality, they have no choice but to give in.
Mark 1:23-24 (TNIV)
23 Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out, 24 “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are–the Holy One of God!”
Note that in this Scripture, Jesus is in the synagogue teaching…..he is in a place of worship. People are on the edge of their seats in amazement at what he is teaching. In every account in Scripture wher man is faced with evil or unclean spirit, with forces that seek to tempt, harm and control him….when faced with Jesus they give in.
I can just see Jesus in this setting, looking up at Satan and saying, “Dude…..I’m gonna eat me some Satan! Now get behind me!”
1. The evil spirit recognizes Jesus
2. The evil spirit knows that he can be destroyed by Jesus
Evil or unclean spirits, demons, are ruled by Satan. They work to tempt people into sin, into taking the wrong path, drawing away from God, indeed from Jesus rather than toward doing what is right and living in relationship with Jesus.
1. They were not created by Satan because God is the creator of all.
2. They are fallen angels who exercised their free will who joined Satan in the rebellion and became perverted and evil.
3. God limits what evil spirits can do.
The key is that these evil spirits are no match for Jesus! In EVERY case where they are confronted by Jesus they lose their power.
Jesus is our protector in that very sense. To live without Jesus is to make ourselves vulnerable to evil. With Jesus in our hearts, we can withstand the evil that seeks to take up residence in us.
Mark 1:25-26 (TNIV)
25 “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” 26 The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.