It’s kind of shocking, really. It takes us by surprise. Jesus is doing what he did. He went to the synagogue to preach, and the people are taken aback by him. He comes with authority. Whereas their teachers said, “You have heard that it was said,” Jesus said, “But I tell to you.” He taught the Word of God as God; he preached the Word of God as the truly and fully Word-made flesh. He came with authority because he was the Authority. His words, his person, his confidence, and his true teaching to them made it even seem new when it was truly just renewed teaching of truth and grace. They hadn’t heard it this way before. Jesus, by and in the power of the Holy Spirit, was knocking their socks off.
But then a man in an unclean Spirit showed up right there in church. That’s not the sort of thing that should happen. The devil shouldn’t be able to have a seat in the pews. His demons shouldn’t get to exercise any sort of power over those who sit in God’s house. This man in an unclean spirit came to do battle with the Man who was in the Holy Spirit. And it’s shocking what he says to him. “What is to you and to me.” He’s picking a fight. What’s up? A fight is brewing in church.
The devil and his demon came to church that day with no intent to worship Jesus or to hear his Word. They came to undermine; they came to divide; they came to distract. But notice. All of their visions come undone by the miracle of Jesus. He casts that demon out and sends him to the place where he belongs. Jesus put him in his place. And it is not just that, but this kingdom-work of Jesus advanced still further. The devil had unwittingly played right into the hands of Jesus. He was Jesus’ devil; Jesus owned him. There are other words I could use to say the way in which Jesus exercised authority over this demon. The devil always serves Jesus’ purposes. Jesus won’t let him do otherwise. He is Jesus’ devil; God owns him.
Tomorrow, the devil is going to be right there among us. He always is. The battle that we fight is not one against flesh and blood but against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Tomorrow and always, the devil will be among us, seeking to divide and distract. But, in the strong name of Jesus, we will not let him. Show up tomorrow, and let’s see Jesus throw him down.
Pastor Nate