Luke 4
"And in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, 'Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.' But Jesus rebuked him saying, 'Be silent and come out of him!' And when the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm. And they were all amazed and said to one another, 'What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!'" - Luke 4:33-36
In this chapter, Luke records Satan's testing of Jesus in the wilderness, Jesus being rejected in his hometown of Nazareth, and his healing ministry in Capernaum. What seems clear from this chapter is that Jesus' message is more important than his miracles. His miracles point to his message. We also see the power of Jesus over demons, who are well aware of who he is.
This demon-possessed man was thrown down by the demon, and then the demon came out of him, and he was left without harm. This is similar to a key event in my own life on a Hong Kong beach on December 31, 2000, when a demon of marijuana and heavy metal music was released from my life. I thank Jesus, who set me at liberty when I was oppressed (v. 18).
Father, thank you for the authority and power of Jesus over the unseen evil forces. Thank you also that Jesus' miracles point to his message. He passed every test and clearly demonstrated his credentials as the Messiah. Today may we see him give sight to the blind and free those who are oppressed. If there are any among us oppressed by demonic forces, may they be released, just as in New Testament times. In Yeshua's name, amen.
- Jeff Coleman