Christ's Victory Over Demons
Authority Over Unclean Spirits
The Demons Obey Him
Description
From the beginning of His ministry, Jesus demonstrated absolute authority over demons. Unlike Jewish exorcists who used elaborate rituals and incantations, Jesus simply commanded demons to depart—and they obeyed. The demons recognized His identity, crying out 'Thou art the Son of God!' and 'What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God?' They feared Him, asking 'Art thou come to destroy us?' and begging not to be sent into the abyss before the appointed time. His authority astonished the crowds: 'What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.'
Key Verses
And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.
And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.
And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.
And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.
And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep.
And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?