Each generation needs to be introduced to the power of Jesus Christ or we will settle for a lesser version of the Lord without seeing a demonstration of His power. Accepting that limited version of the Lord will make us suspicious of anyone or any teaching that reveals the presence of demons in our midst.

After calling His first disciples, the Lord went to Capernaum where Jesus taught in the synagogue. As He taught, a man possessed by an evil spirit began shouting, “Why are you interfering with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” (Mark 1:24). The word “us” indicates more than one demon was being challenged by the presence of Jesus and His authority. The ministry of Jesus interrupted the mission of demonic entities.

Jesus confronted the demons and told them, “Be quiet. Come out of the man” (vs. 25). When Jesus spoke, the demons screamed, threw the man into a convulsion, and came out of him. That demonstration over evil spirits affirmed the teaching of Jesus. Those who saw what happened responded, “Amazement gripped the audience, and they began to discuss what had happened. ‘What sort of new teaching is this?’ they asked excitedly. ‘It has such authority! Even evil spirits obey his orders!’” (vs. 27).

The Lord wants to upset our religious comfort level by casting out the evil spirits who have taken up residency in people and within our religious institutions. He wants to demonstrate His power like what happened in the synagogues during Jesus’ ministry when no one realized demons were present. To meet and never expect a demonic presence to be exposed is evidence that the demons have become comfortable in our meetings. Whenever Jesus is preached as Lord, Savior, and Deliverer, His presence will interfere with the plans of evil. We should welcome His interference, not ignore it or try to explain it away.