By Jared Green
Among Jesus’ many great physical healings, he was well-known for casting out demons. In Luke 11, he cast out a demon that was mute, and once the demon was gone, the man was again able to speak. As they normally did, the people who saw the miracle marveled at what Jesus was able to do. The crowd reaction was mixed, however, as some believed Jesus was casting out demons in the name of Beelzebul, the prince of demons, while others sought a sign from heaven (11:14-16). Knowing the thoughts of the crowd, Jesus began to teach that he was casting out demons “by the finger of God” (11:20). At the end of his argument, Jesus taught a powerful lesson that extends well beyond casting out demons. Jesus said:
When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and finding none it says, “I will return to my house from which I came.” And when it comes, it finds the house swept and put in order. Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there. And the last state of that person is worse than the first (11:24-26).
While Jesus is not in the business of casting demons from people today, Jesus is in the business of casting out sin. Upon our baptism into Christ, our sins are forgiven (Acts 2:38). While Christ’s grace alone provides forgiveness, we carry an important responsibility in our new Christian walks. It is vital that we replace the sin which once reigned in our lives with Christ-centered, obedient living.
What Jesus taught about the unclean spirits stands true on the topic of sin. When sin is cast from our lives, temptation is bound to return, and when temptation returns, it will undoubtedly be hard to fight against. So, when temptation returns, what will it find? Will temptation find a breeding ground for sin in your “house”? Or will it find that you have replaced the sin in your life with godliness? We must put to death worldly, sinful living (Colossians 3:5) in order that Christ-like living can take hold in our lives (Galatians 5:16-24). God loves you, and so do I.
- Jared Green preaches the Calvert City Church of Christ in Calvert City, KY. He may be contacted through
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