Daily Devotions
Matthew
Insights of the Dark Spiritual World of Demons
Text: Matthew 12 : 38 - 50
Jesus had been accused of being in league with Beelzebub on at least two occasions (Matthew 9:34; 12:24). This wild accusation of the scribes and Pharisees were soundly refuted by Jesus. Apparently they knew very little about the work of demons. Perhaps they ought to learn an important lesson concerning the work of demons.
“When an unclean spirit goes out of a man,
he goes through dry places, seeking rest,
and finds none. Then he says, ‘I will return to my house
from which I came.’
And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order.
Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits
more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there;
and the last state of that man is worse than the first.
So shall it also be with this wicked generation.'”
MATTHEW 12:43-45
What are some important lessons Jesus sought to teach here?
1. Do evil spirits exist?
Jesus’ encounters with the demon-possessed proved the dreaded reality of the existence of evil spirits or demons! Ask the people who have been healed, and they would tell you that demons do exist indeed!
a) They are often described as spirits that afflict their victims
Matthew noted some demon-possessed victims in his Gospel. They can caused madness (Cf. Matthew 8:28-32). They can cause a person to be mute (Cf. Matthew 9:32). They can also inflict both muteness and blindness (Cf. Matthew 12:22).
b) They can subtly influence without making their evil presence known
This is perhaps even more deadly. The presence of the demon may not be detected at all. He comes and goes at will! This aspect of the work of demons is even more disturbing!
2. How do evil spirits work?
The scribes and Pharisees suggested that Jesus was in league with the prince of demons! That remark showed that they knew very little about how spirits work.
a) They can work individually
The presence of one evil spirit working in a person’s life is disturbing news indeed. Many are not aware enough of just how powerful a demon really is!
b) They can work as a group
This truth was revealed by Jesus! That must have been astonishing news indeed!
3. What are some of the goals of the evil spirits?
As far as we can tell, the demons are so wicked they will inflict their victims so that they suffered.
a) They seem to enjoy causing people to suffer
They have no sense of compassion at all. They do not care about the victims they hurt. Their wickedness is unbridled evil!
b) They seek the ruin of mankind
Bottom line, they will seek to corrupt all that they touch! What one spirit could not do, collective effort would be sought.
4. What defence do we have?
In view of the above, how may we defend ourselves from the powers of the evil spirits?
a) Purely human efforts
The story Jesus told speaks of pure human efforts. There is no reference to God at all. The individual may feel that if he works very hard at putting his house in order, he would be safe from the attacks of the evil spirits. Jesus taught otherwise. Mere human efforts would provide no defence whatsoever against the powers of demons.
b) Belonging to Jesus and His kingdom
There is only one way in which a person may speak of full and complete protection! That system would involve believing in Jesus and then becoming part of the kingdom of heaven!
c) Proofs of the Power of Jesus
Evidence abounds of the almighty power of Jesus! No demon could stand up against Jesus. No matter if there were a legion of them, they would still quake at the Presence of Jesus! One word from Jesus, and the demons would be compelled to obey! Many were brought to Jesus for healing. Among them were those afflicted by demons. With just a word, Jesus released all from bondage to the demons!
AN IMPORTANT WORD OF WARNING!
The presence and power of demons must not be trifled with. While we do not want to feel fearful about their powers, we must avoid the mistake of underestimating their corrupting influence. The only safety anyone can have is in and through faith in Jesus! The scribes and Pharisees were courting great danger when they kept on coming up with one wicked scheme after another. Could they not see the deadly influence of demons working in their hearts?