Demons, exorcism of

Jesus Christ drove out many demons during his earthly ministry and he delegated this authority to his disciples.

Jesus Christ understood exorcism as part of his ministry

Luke 13:32 See also Luke 4:18

But Jesus replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘Look, I will keep driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach My goal.’

He drove out demons from individuals brought to him

Matthew 8:16 parallels Mark 1:32–34, Luke 4:40–41 See also Matthew 4:24

When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to Jesus, and He drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick.

He drove out demons from individuals whom he encountered

Mark 1:23–26 parallel Luke 4:33–35 See also Mark 1:39

Suddenly a man with an unclean spirit cried out in the synagogue: “What do You want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are — the Holy One of God!” But Jesus rebuked the spirit. “Be silent!” He said. “Come out of him!” At this, the unclean spirit threw the man into convulsions and came out with a loud shriek.

Jesus Christ had power over demons

He was able to drive demons out at a distance

Matthew 15:22–28 parallel Mark 7:25–30

He used words of rebuke to drive out demons

Matthew 17:18 parallels Mark 9:25, Luke 9:42 See also Mark 1:25 parallel Luke 4:35; Luke 4:41

Then Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed from that moment.

Jesus Christ identifies the spiritual resources needed for exorcising demons

The Spirit of God

Matthew 12:28 parallel Luke 11:20

Faith

Matthew 17:19–20

Prayer (and fasting)

Mark 9:28–29

The ministry of exorcism was an indication of the kingdom's presence

Matthew 12:28 parallel Luke 11:20

But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

The results of being delivered from demon-possession

Visible transformation and healing

Mark 5:15 parallel Luke 8:35 See also Matthew 9:33; Luke 11:14, Luke 13:13

When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons sitting there, clothed and in his right mind; and they were afraid.

Devotion to Jesus Christ

Luke 8:1–2 See also Mark 5:18 parallel Luke 8:38

Soon afterward, Jesus traveled from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with Him, as well as some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out,

Loss of supernatural faculties

Acts 16:16–19

Demons seek to return

Matthew 12:43–45 parallel Luke 11:24–26

The impact of exorcism on those who observe it

Amazement

Matthew 9:33, Matthew 12:23; Mark 1:27 parallel Luke 4:36; Luke 11:14

Fear

Matthew 8:34 parallels Mark 5:17, Luke 8:37