Miracles (part 2)

Healing the Demon Possessed men

Matthew 8:28-34

Word Study: Demons were originally angels created by God to serve Him. When one powerful angel now known as Satan rebelled, many angels rebelled against God with Him (Rev. 12:4). They torment people, enter their bodies, and vex them with unusual behavior and diseases. Paul said the nations' ”gods”are demons (1Cor. 10:20). They inspire idolatrous worship and sacrifice. Christians should not fear them, sacrifice to them or obey their teachings. At the end of this age, they will be tormented forever.

1) What encouragement do you find in Jesus' power over the demons in this account?

2) How would you defend Jesus' actions to someone who was upset because of the loss of the pigs?

3) In what areas of our society or our lives might Jesus be unwelcome today?

4) Why might some people today plead with Jesus to leave their presence when the witness His power to decieve people from evil influences over their lives?

The demons knew Jesus is Lord of nature.(calming the storm) The appointed time for His full destruction of their power had not yet come. Jesus allowed this bizarre, destructive act; and many pigs were drowned. But do not forget that the two men, created in God's image, were sitting their in their right minds. Jesus cared for two people no one else carred about. These men were a lot more important that a herd of pigs.



Matthew 12:22-24

Not all physical problems are because of the influence of demons, but this man's was.
1) What might the implications of Jesus' healing of the man have in the lives of people today?

2) What is a Pharisee?
The name Pharisees means ”separated ones” and referred to hard working religious men who taught in the synagogues. The common people respected them highly. They believed, as did the early Christians, in angels, demons, and the resurrection of the dead. The Sadducees who were in charge of the temple denied all three. It is not surprising that the Pharisees were the ones who felt compelled to explain away Jesus' phenomenal power over demons, for they must have felt their authority threatened by Jesus. Their responce was absurd: “It is only by Beelzebub, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons.” They didn't even give Jesus the dignity of a name. They attributed to Satan works that could only come from God, thus committing or comming dangerously close to blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (vs. 31-32) They argued that Jesus had such great power over the demons of all, Beelzebub, the prince of demons-Satan himself.

Word Study:
The name Beelzebub referred to a pagan deity, the ruler of all evil spirits. The name's orgin is unclear. Some say that Beelzebub (”Lord of the flies”) was a Philistine god whose name the Israelites corrupted to Beelzebul (Ba'alzebel, “Lord of dung,”associated with impurity) to show their disgust and refusal to honor him. Still others say Ba'alzebul (”Lord of the dwelling”), a place occupied by evil spirits. Jesus' reference to the “master of the house” may be an allusion to this meaning. Whatever the orgin of the name, Beelzebub is Satan himself.

Matthew 12:25-32

The Pharisees and other Jews allowed exorcisms. These were done by means of herbs and magic formulas, and they were usually unsuccessful (Acts 19:13-16). They tried however, and the custom was accepted by the Pharisees. If they condemned Jesus' exorcism of demons, they condemned their own people's beliefs and would have to explain their position to them.

Put 2 columns on the board. One Jesus the other Pharisees.
List.
1) What were some reasons for the Pharisees skepticism.
2) What are some of the Pharisees thoughts?
Matthew 12:30
The Pharisees skepticism and rejection of Jesus' authority as being from God placed them in danger of rejecting God Himself.
3)How and why might some contemporary religious leaders might express similar concerns to those of the Pharisees?
4) Why did Jesus say He had authority to heal those oppressed by demonic spiritual powers?
5) How and why might contemporary Christians express confidence in Christ as the supreme authority over spiritual matters?

Conclusion:
Many people today live in terror of the spirit world. Voodoo ceremonies, lucky charms, and zodiac columns are all used for protection. Jesus, however, the one who died for our sins, is Lord over the spirit world and everything in it. Perfect love casts out fear (1John 4:18). Jesus demonstrated He had power to tread on all the resources of Satan. He plunders him and casts out fear of what would happen to us if we do not respect demonic powers. We serve One who has more power than all demons and Satan put together-the Lord Jesus Christ.
The source of Jesus' power and the source of the Christian's hope are the same, God. Though people today often deny Jesus' power to dispute His authority just as the pharisees did, Jesus' line of argument still works. Satan is not destroying his own kingdom; therefore, Jesus' power is God-given, genuine, and mighty. He drives out demons by the Spirit of God, and the kingdom of God has indeed come upon us. We must live our lives in the light of this glorious truth.

Although Christian should be aware of Satan and his “schemes” (2Cor. 2:11) and wear their armor to actively engage in warefare against him (Eph. 5:12-17), our minds, souls, and spirits should be occupied with Christ (Col. 3:1-3). Being preoccupied with Satan, demons, and their activies is not our calling. We must “fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith” (Heb. 12:2), knowing that Christ will have the final victory over Satan (Rev 20).