Why Jesus Should Have Absolute Authority in My Life?

Mark 1:23-28

There is “a man with an unclean spirit.” The more usual term for “unclean spirit” is “demon” (used 63 times in the New Testament). Who or what is a demon? They could be (1) the spirits of a pre-Adamic evil race, (2) the spirits of evil men, (3) the product of angels cohabitating with women in Genesis 6:1-4, or (4) fallen angels. This fourth option is the most likely. Mark calls them “unclean spirits” 11 times and “demons” 13 times.

What else can we know about demons? (1) From Revelation 12:4, it seems that one-third of the angels fell with Satan in his rebellion against God. (2) Some are now free to roam (Mark 1:21-34). (3) Some will still be free during the tribulation (Rev 9:13-19). (4) Others are confined now, never to roam freely (2 Pet 2:4; Jude 6). (5) They are powerful personalities, though not omnipotent (Mark 1:24). (6) Their activity may have increased during the time of Christ, and it will do so again in the coming end time (see Rev 6-19). (7) They are set up under Satan’s control (Eph 6:11-12), probably in rank and possibly in geography (Dan 10:10-12). (8) They have authority and can promote disunity, propagate false doctrine, inflict disease, cause27 mental difficulties, and hinder Christian growth. (9) Demons can oppress but not possess believers.

So here is a demon-possessed man in, of all places, a house of worship! If this demon made his way into the first-century synagogue, we should not assume that our own churches are beyond their reach.

Upon seeing Jesus, the demon cries out, “What do You have to do with us, Jesus—Nazarene? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!” The demon recognizes Jesus in terms of His humanity and His deity: the “Nazarene” and “the Holy One of God.” Even the demons stand in awe of the God Man!

The demon is chiefly concerned with Jesus’ intentions. “Us” may refer to multiple demons in the man or to the demonic realm as a whole. In either case he recognizes the threat that Jesus is to their authority and power. “Come to destroy” may be a declaration instead of a question. They understand more clearly than humans that the Son of God’s coming is a decisive moment in history. It spells their doom!

Confessing Jesus as the “Holy One of God” is perhaps an attempt to gain some power over Jesus by claiming to know His name. It is more likely, however, a recognition of His deity, His sonship, and the great antithesis that exists between an unholy, unclean spirit and the Holy One of God.

Referring to Jesus, demoniacs use language such as “Holy One of God” (1:24), “Son of God” (3:11), and “Son of the Most High God” (5:7). In contrast many of the ordinary sick whom Jesus healed referred to Him more in terms of His humanity: “Lord” (7:8), “Teacher” (9:17), “Son of David” (10:47-48), and “Master” (10:51). It’s not that these latter titles were incorrect, but the demons had remarkable theology and a view of Jesus’ identity that is frequently loftier than our own.

The kingdom of God goes head-to-head with the forces of evil at the first public ministry of the Son of God. It is a “no contest” event with an immediate and devastating knockout! The “binding of the strong man” has begun (3:27). The demons are forced to acknowledge, grudgingly, what the Father declared in verse 11!

Knowing that the demon recognizes Him, Jesus issues a direct command. “Be quiet.” It is an imperative, an unqualified rebuke, as though Jesus were saying, “Shut up; muzzle it!” Again He commands, “Come out!” It only takes28 a few direct words from an absolute authority! No spell or incantation is necessary. He says the word and they obey.

The demon immediately convulsed, cried out, and came out just as the Lord said. The people were “all amazed” (“all” is emphatic in the Greek) and asked, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.” As a result, His fame spread everywhere—not just around Galilee but to surrounding regions! People were hearing the good news of the kingdom everywhere.

The disturbance of men and demons by the Servant King of God has begun. Life will never be the same! Demons are expelled, and broken people are made whole. This is God’s kingdom. This is what the great King can do. This is why He should have absolute authority in your life, my life, and every life.