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.

This is the third miracle that we’re going to peek at. What is quoted here is the account from the Gospel of Mark. This is also covered in Luke 4:33-37. In Luke, however, he is not an unclean spirit but an unclean devil. Either way, he’s unclean.

And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God. And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him. 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 immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee. (Mark 4:23-28)

This is very interesting considering this past week I was engaged in some pretty deep discussions about devils, the dead, and the occult. I’ve always found it very interesting that Jesus had much to say and do about devils and unclean spirits, yet nobody seems to have any real answers on them. We don’t see devils, but they’re out there. And they are in people. So we look briefly at a few things to better understand the work and ways of devils and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Their Hangout

Firstly, this unclean devil was in the synagogue. He was not out on the streets, at the bar, in the dark, or some other undesirable place. No. He was in the place of worship. He was at the place that God had chosen to put his name. He was where the Word of God was read. That’s right. In the synagogue! If they weren’t afraid of a synagogue, I doubt seriously that they’re afraid of the church. I know in Hollywood, a crucifix of some sort was sufficient to scare away a devil. Or maybe a gargoyle would do the trick. But there’s no evidence that any of that works. There’s no place sacred to the unclean. (Titus 1:15) Unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure… Devils promote and practice a lack of reverence for the house of God and the things of God in the minds and hearts of men, women, and children.

Their Harshness

They said, Let us alone! Unclean spirits are everywhere because this is a common response and attitude from people when you speak to them of Jesus. Let us alone! Don’t bother me with your religion! I don’t want church on Sunday! I want football! Leave us alone! Salvation? Leave us alone! Consecration? Let us alone! Separation! Let us alone! Prayer meeting? Let us alone! Tithes and offerings? Let us alone! Missions? Let us alone! That devil asked What have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? When people’s attitudes are that which care nothing for the things of God and have no desire to know God or the Lord Jesus Christ, that’s a pretty good indication of an unclean spirit. Especially when they bark at you Let us alone!

Their Horror

This devil also asked Art thou come to destroy us? It’s no secret that hell is a prepared place. It was not prepared for men. (Matthew 25:41) Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. It is suggested in this devil’s question that their end is at the forefront of their concerns. Their days here on earth are numbered. Time is running short on the devil and his crowd. (Revelation 12:12)  The devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. This may very well be a another hint that there are indeed devils amongst us. The consumption with one’s imminent destruction may cause the obliviousness to one’s salvation. This may manifest itself as a chronic complainer; or perhaps what we amusingly call a Debbie Downer. You think I’m kidding? It’s devils my friend.

Their Hate

And then there’s this devil’s shocking confession I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God. Absolutely stunning! To know the Holy One of God, and still want nothing to do with him. But Jesus did say (John 3:20) For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. You cannot hate something unless you are somewhat acquainted with it. It’s not that sinners don’t know about God. And it’s not that they’ve never had a witness of God. (Romans 1:19,20) Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: You see it’s not that they don’t know. It’s that they hate God. It’s that God is their enemy. They have set themselves against God.

The Holy One

But then we see the answer to this devil’s rant. And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. Jesus casts devils out and puts in men and women a love for the house of God and the things of God. He takes away their harshness and hard heart and puts in gentleness and a broken and contrite heart. He takes away the horror and fear and puts in hope and faith. And instead of us knowing about him from a distance, he knows us intimately; no more an enemy but a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

Those Jews saw this and said  What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him. Is this new doctrine to you? Have you ever witnessed Jesus command with authority and power the unclean spirits out? There is none other able to do these miracles. Jesus has got the power! Amen! (John 3:11) Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen…