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LUKE - Christ, the Savior of the World
A Bible Study Course on the Gospel of Christ according to Luke
PART 3 - JESUS' MINISTRY IN GALILEE (Luke 4:14 - 9:50)
2. Jesus' Ministry in Capernaum and its Surroundings (Luke 4:31-44)
LUKE 4:31-37
31 He came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. He was teaching them on the Sabbath day, 32 and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word was with authority. 33 In the synagogue there was a man who had a spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, 34 saying, “Ah! what have we to do with you, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know you who you are: the Holy One of God!” 35 Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” When the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm. 36 Amazement came on all, and they spoke together, one with another, saying, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!” 37 News about him went out into every place of the surrounding region.
The children of Nazareth did not recognize the gentle voice of the Holy Spirit. They did not understand the preaching of the Savior, closed their minds against his teaching and person, hated him because he rebuked their hardness of him, and wanted to kill him. So Jesus departed from his hometown, and chose Capernaum, a town on the northwest corner of the Sea of Tiberias, as the main center of his activity. Here he dwelt in the house of Peter, the first of his disciples. In Capernaum, Jesus went every Sabbath to the synagogue, where the worshippers of God met, and he taught them with great authority, for God, himself, who dwelt in him, spoke through him, and they were all cut to the heart. The familiar words in the Scriptures became in his mouth full of light and power, piercing the hearts with God’s judgment, and comforting the hopeless with the love of the Highest. Jesus’ teaching was spiritual and direct, directed at the hearts and minds of his hearers.
A man possessed by an unclean spirit, whom nobody could release, came into the synagogue, and when the evil spirit felt God’s presence, he cried fearfully, “What do you want of me? I do not want to join myself to you. Keep away from me. The time has not come yet for judgment. Why are you coming early? I know you exactly Man, Jesus of Nazareth. You are the Holy One of God.” The demons know Jesus, believe in him, and tremble at his holiness. All hell fears this unique name “Jesus” the Man of God. They did not see his love, kindness, help, and salvation, for his glorious mercy was concealed from them. They trembled at his holy, authoritative majesty, for God’s holiness hides the glory of his love. The devil did not see the innermost nature of Jesus, but were only aware of the rays of his shining truth.
Jesus did not allow the devil to speak any more, for the demon was lying even if it appeared as a truthful saying. Jesus is certainly the Holy One and the Judge of the world, but his heart is full of love to bring salvation, healing, deliverance, comfort, and giving life. The Spirit of the Lord in Christ intended to redeem the world, and not to destroy it. However, the demon did not declare this truth, but wanted mankind to fear Jesus, just as his fear of Jesus made him disturbed and confused.
Jesus had mercy upon the suffering demon-possessed man, and commanded the unclean spirit with a word to come out. When God decides something, no one can object. With a cry, the demon came out, of the man he had possessed, and threw him to the ground with force and fury, as if he would have dashed him to pieces; but he could not hurt him, for the Son of God surrounded the poor man with his merciful power.
Those who stood by were amazed, seeing the struggle between heaven and hell. They realized the authority of Jesus, that is his powerful word. Did you realize how the authority of Christ comes to us? It by comes only means of his gospel. Open yourself completely to the words of Christ, so that all the powers of God may dwell in you, uncovering all your sins, forgiving all your sins, and overcoming all unclean spirits in you. Christ is Triumphant even over your thoughts, spirit, and body if you open yourself to him willingly.
PRAYER: O Lord, I come to you with an unclean, troubled heart. Heal me. Cleanse me. Forgive me my wrong thoughts and works. Cast out all unclean spirits in me, so that they may never come back. Dwell with your Holy Spirit in me, so that I may commit myself commit myself to you completely once and forever. I want nothing but to serve, glorify, and thank you.
QUESTION 40: How, and why did Jesus cast out the unclean spirit from the demon-possessed?