32 While they were going away, a mute, demon-possessed man was brought to Jesus. 33 And when the demon was driven out [by Jesus], the mute man spoke; and the crowds wondered in amazement, saying, “Never before has anything like this [miracle] been seen in Israel.” 34 But the Pharisees were saying, “He casts out the demons by [the power of] the ruler of demons.”
Matthew 9:32-34 (AMP)
Healing everywhere
He’s now leaving the house where, among other things, Jesus healed two blind men. More miracles are on the way. As we’ll see tomorrow, pretty much everywhere He goes He does healings and / or casts out demons. And, He was “healing every disease and every sickness” (v35).
Demon possession
This man was possessed by a demon – just like the two men from earlier. Demon’s are spiritual beings that do exist- just as angels do. In fact demons are fallen angels; they, along with Satan, the lead demon (the Devil) were kicked out of heaven (Isaiah 14:12–14 and Ezekiel 28:12–18). For more on this, check this link out.
Demons can possess people. It happened in the OT, in Jesus’ day and it still happens today. We talked previously about demon possession vs. oppression so check out this link to read. Sure, it is necessary to cast out demons today, but rather than focusing on demon possession and casting out, I choose to focus on Holy Spirit possession. Paul tells us to be continually filled by the Holy Spirit (Eph 5:18). We know that we have the Spirit in us (1 John 4:13). Most of us are unlikely to encounter demon possession, but we all need to have Holy Spirit possession.
Demonic detractors
As this miracle occurred, some of the religious leaders were present. They chose, rather than to give thanks and glory to God for working miracles among them through Jesus, to attribute the work to the Devil. Most understand this is an example of the unforgivable sin (Matthew 12:22–32). In fact, as they did this, they were helping the devil to discount and detract from the work of God.
RЯeflection
- Are you struggling with the idea of demon possession? It’s not something to fear. “You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4) First seek the Lord in prayer and in His Word to understand who He is, who you are, confess and repent of any sins and believe in Christ’s power. Ask God to lead you to spiritual help, like your pastor.
- We often discount demon possession as something that happened a long time ago or only in 3rd world countries. Don’t be surprised. But I encourage you to focus on Holy Spirit possession: Be filled with the Spirit.
