A recognised condition in Jesus Christ's lifetime in which an individual is dominated by the influence of a demon. In his ministry, Jesus Christ encountered and delivered many people in such a condition. Many of Christ's critics unsuccessfully sought to ascribe his authority and powers to demonic possession.
Unfounded accusations of demon-possession
Against John the Baptist
Matthew 11:18 parallel Luke 7:33
For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon!’
Against Jesus Christ
John 10:20–21 See also Matthew 9:34, Matthew 12:24 parallels Mark 3:22, Luke 11:15; John 7:20, John 8:48–52
Many of them said, “He is demon-possessed and insane. Why would you listen to Him?” But others replied, “These are not the words of a man possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”
Unfounded accusations of demon-possession against Jesus Christ are refuted
Matthew 12:25–28 parallels Mark 3:23–30, Luke 11:17–20; John 10:21
Demon-possession arising from sin
And from that day forward Saul kept a jealous eye on David. The next day a spirit of distress sent from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house while David played the harp as usual. Now Saul was holding a spear,
The consequences of demon-possession
Irrational behaviour
1 Samuel 18:10–11 See also 1 Samuel 19:9–10
The next day a spirit of distress sent from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house while David played the harp as usual. Now Saul was holding a spear, and he hurled it, thinking, “I will pin David to the wall.” But David eluded him twice.
Unnatural physical strength
Mark 5:4 parallels Matthew 8:28, Luke 8:29 See also Acts 19:16
Though he was often bound with chains and shackles, he had broken the chains and shattered the shackles. Now there was no one with the strength to subdue him.
Self-harm
Night and day in the tombs and in the mountains he kept crying out and cutting himself with stones.
Violent behaviour
Mark 9:18 parallel Luke 9:39 See also Matthew 8:28 parallels Mark 5:3–5, Luke 8:27–29
Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked Your disciples to drive it out, but they were unable.”
The impairment of faculties
Matthew 12:22 parallel Luke 11:14 See also Matthew 9:32; Mark 9:17; Luke 13:11
Then a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute was brought to Jesus, and He healed the man so that he could speak and see.
Suffering
Matthew 15:22 parallel Mark 7:25–26 See also 1 Samuel 16:14–16; Matthew 17:15 parallels Mark 9:18, Luke 9:39; Luke 6:18
And a Canaanite woman from that region came to Him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is miserably possessed by a demon.”
Jesus Christ delivers from demon-possession
Matthew 8:16 parallels Mark 1:32, Luke 4:40 See also Matthew 4:24, Matthew 9:32, Matthew 12:22, Matthew 15:22 parallel Mark 7:25–26
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.
Multiple demon-possession
Jesus Christ encounters cases of multiple demon-possession and is able to deliver
Mark 16:9 See also Mark 5:1–17 parallel Luke 8:26–35; Luke 8:2
Early on the first day of the week, after Jesus had risen, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had driven out seven demons.
Further evidence of the possibility of multiple demon-possession
Matthew 12:43–45 parallel Luke 11:24–26
Demons recognise divine authority and their own limited powers
You believe that God is one. Good for you! Even the demons believe that — and shudder.
Demons know Jesus Christ's identity
Mark 1:24 parallel Luke 4:34 See also Matthew 8:29 parallels Mark 5:7, Luke 8:28; Mark 1:34 parallel Luke 4:41; Mark 3:11; Acts 19:15
“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!”
Demons recognise Jesus Christ's disciples
One day as we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl with a spirit of divination, who earned a large income for her masters by fortune-telling. This girl followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation!”
Jesus Christ's disciples have power to release from demon-possession by calling on Jesus' name
See also Acts 5:16, Acts 19:13–16
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.