I found 73 references to demons in scripture.
I’ll be studying each reference in context, in order to learn whatever it is we should know about this topic. Today I’m looking at references 11-13.
Matthew 9:32-38
32 As they were going out, a mute man plagued by a demon was brought to Him. 33 After the demon was driven out, the mute man started speaking. The crowds were astounded, saying, “Never has anything like this been seen in Israel!” 34 But the Pharisees were saying, “By the prince of demons He drives out demons.”
35 Now Yeshua was going around all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the Good News of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and sickness. 36 When He saw the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. 38 Therefore pray to the Lord of the harvest that He may send out workers into His harvest field.”
Again, there is much information in this bit of scripture.
1. We see Yeshua casting out demons, but not others. The terminology in this translation states the demon was driven out. This would indicate something being done against the will of another.
Apparently, demons want to stay, but they cannot disobey the authority of Yeshua.
The Greek word used for ‘driven out’ is ekballo (G1544).
to cast out, drive out, to send out, with notion of violence; to drive out (cast out)
2. We see that demons can inflict physical changes to the individual. In this case, the afflicted man was rendered mute by the demon. Once cast out, the man was able to speak. Being afflicted with demon(s) affects both the physical body as well as the mind, and obviously the spirit.
3. The Pharisees, instead of seeing the miraculous and the awesome power of Messiah, they discredit Him. They attribute His abilities to be from Hasatan. Will these guys ever have eyes to see and ears to hear?
Will these guys ever get it?
Well, we know how this plays out.
No, they do not ever ‘get it.’
4. The reaction of the observers would indicate that driving out demons was quite surprising. In fact, scripture documents the fact that “Never has anything like this been seen in Israel!”
Do we view this figuratively as a casual statement?
Or do we take it literally?
Due to the fact that there is no reference in scripture of anyone casting out demons prior to the book of Matthew, then I believe we can take this statement literally.
In all the history of mankind, no one until Yeshua was able to cast out demons.
Do you realize the significance of this?
That means that demons operated in this world unchecked and unfettered for thousands of years!!
Is there evidence this might be true?
Yes, Yeshua Himself says so in verse 36. He equates the people to having no leader and no protector. They are harassed and helpless.
4. What does Yeshua intend to do about this? Is He to cast out whatever demons He is able to, during His ministry?
And then, that’s it?
What about after His ascension?
Then what? Is mankind again to be left to the demons?
We see His plan in verses 37-38:
Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. 38 Therefore pray to the Lord of the harvest that He may send out workers into His harvest field.”
Yeshua is seeking others who can do this work.
Who is the Lord of the harvest?
How can he send out more workers?
The “Lord” of the harvest is Greek word G2962 kyrios.
This word can refer to the owner of property, a political leader, a decision maker, a title of honor and respect (as a servant to his master), and this title is given to Yehova and to Messiah.
Based on the context and the task being discussed (sending out workers to conduct spiritual warfare and/or spiritual harvest), I think we can disregard the definitions that refer to people. I believe the proper definition in this context is the one identifying Yehova and Messiah.
If so, then we are seeing a hint that He will send other ‘workers’.
We’ll keep studying all these references and see if this comes to pass.
Stay tuned…