The Book of Mark
Chapter 1 (NIV)
32That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. 33The whole town gathered at the door, 34and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.
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4 comments:
It is interesting why he didn't let the demons speak. I guess it is similar how he kept telling everyone not to speak of what has happened after he performs healing and other miraculous acts.
I wonder how many of those healed ones actually turned to God and believed in Christ. There are many miracles happening right in front of people's eyes and often they don't see it. Even if they saw or experience it, they still don't come to God. I guess even if those demons cried out Jesus's identity, people could've had interpret with our wicked thoughts.
I've been wondering if demons can repent and be saved as well... knowing that they are doomed forever and knowing God, why do they not give up? Have they already missed their chance?
32That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. 33The whole town gathered at the door, 34and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.(Mark 1:32-34)
Reading through these verses, I think about how Jesus must have felt to see all these people coming to Him various diseases and demon possessed minds. Certainly, Jesus Christ is our compassionate master who feels and knows our needs and pain. In the Book of John, there is a scene when Mary and Martha weep over the death of her brother Lazarus. Jesus, having a compassionate heart, He was deeply moved in spirit and was troubled (John 11:33). Follwing that, He calls Lazarus and helps him get up from his sleep (physical death). We should be thankful to have such a master on our side who knows our most intimate pains and needs and thoughts.
Interesting question about whether or not demons can repent, Michael. I imagine it must be like C.S. Lewis' idea of hell - people choose to remain there. I imagine that demons are just so hate-filled that they have no desire to repent.
I think Jesus wanted people and demons to be silent for two reasons: 1) He didn't want His true identity as the son of God known yet, because he wanted time to spread his ministry before the crucifixion and 2) He didn't want the miracles to overshadow his message. Those are personal theories, anyway.
Finally, as a psychology major - I wonder about the definition of being demon-possessed. Was it schizophrenia? If demon possession was so wide spread then, why is it not seen now? I think God curing mental illness is still a miracle - but I wonder . . . Theoretically I believe in demons, because I believe in angels and in God. Yet the scientific, modern mind in me can't help but look for other, more earthly, explanations. Why isn't Satan as obvious now as he was then? Has he just become more devious? Why don't we see miracles and demon possessions anymore?
Great posts Suejin! your theory makes sense and I agree.
To comment on your last part, I believe the greatest trick that Satan pulled is leading people to believe he doesn't really exist. This world now is so corrupt and under Satan's influence that it is hard to tell which is good or evil when we aren't in tune with God.
One of the biggest tool used by many people to deny the truth is science. Many will say prove it with science! Prove that God is there, prove that demons/ghost exists etc. I believe that demon possessions happens even today but since we try to explain it in terms of our own logic, "science", we often dismiss the possibility just because we can't prove it. I'm pretty certain that Satan and other demons are very much aware of today's technology... even to the point that maybe they could very well have influenced people to make certain advancements. Because of their awareness of our technology, that could a reason that even with our wonderful technology, we can't capture any strong evidence.
Even some Christians don't believe and deny the fact that Satan or demons exists. But the Bible clearly states various incidents regarding demons which very much proves the existence of them.
Again, I do feel strongly that Satan has made it a lot harder to see his acts, but more I'm in tune with God, the clearer everything gets.
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