554. LUK 4:33-37. THE EXPULSION OF THE UNCLEAN SPIRIT

Luk_4:33-37. The Expulsion of the Unclean Spirit

"And in the synagogue there was a man, who had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice, saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art: the Holy One of God," &c.’97Luk_4:33-37.

On a variety of occasions the Redeemer manifested his divine power over evil spirits who possessed the bodies and souls of men. On several of these occasions the Saviour conversed with the evil spirits he expelled, which completely overthrows the hypothesis that the persons were merely afflicted with diseases which deranged the mind, and that the representations of their having evil spirits were only given in accordance with the superstitions of the age. It seems, too, that the spirits invariably recognized the person of Christ, and confessed his divinity and power. On this occasion Jesus met the unhappy man in the synagogue, and we are directed,

I. To the confession the unclean spirit made concerning the Redeemer. He spake and said, "I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God," Luk_4:34. Here Christ’s righteousness and purity are admitted. So far from treating him as an impostor, or being in league with Beelzebub, they,

1. Declare "he is the Holy One of God."

(1.) "God’s Son’97God’s servant," Luk_4:34.

(2.) Having God’s holy nature and attributes.

(3.) Formed as to his manhood, by the overshadowing of the Holy Ghost.

(4.) Coming into the world to exhibit, in all its complete excellency, God’s holy law.

(5.) On the holy mission of redeeming men from sin, and bringing them to the blessedness of personal holiness.

(6.) In the world for the express purpose of setting up a holy kingdom’97a kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. How numerous the testimonies to Christ’s holiness. The testimony of the Father in the voice which spake from heaven. The testimony cf Pilate. The testimony of

Judas. The testimony of devils’97all unite in exhibiting the Saviour as holy, harmless, and undefiled. This confession was,

2. Bold and public. "Cried with a loud voice." So that all around might hear the testimony given. And it was most explicit "I know thee who thou art," Luk_4:34 Observe,

3. It was deprecatory. "Let us alone; what have we to do with thee," &c., Luk_4:34 Mark (ch. Luk_1:24) adds, that the spirit also said, "Art thou come to destroy us?" Here was the language of dread,’97of guilty shame. They knew that their time was limited, that their power was circumscribed, and that their hellish rule and dominion was to be overthrown by the Son of God. All this is clearly implied in the deprecatory appeal of the unclean spirit. Observe,

II. The course the Redeemer adopted.

1. He rebuked the unclean spirit. "Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace," Luk_4:35. He thus exercised his authority over the spirits of the unseen world. He silences his speech though it confessed his Messiahship. Christ seeks not the constrained, terrific acknowledgment of rebellious demons,’97but the humble, penitent confession of contrite, believing sinners.

2. He bade him to come out of the man. "Come out of him," exclaimed the benevolent Saviour. "Leave thy usurped throne. Thou hast no right to thy dwelling. He is my creature, the object of my care, and the subject of my saving compassion. Thy rule is one of ignorance, disease, wretchedness, and woe. I have come expressly to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison doors to them that are bound." Therefore his mandate of mercy is heard, "Come out of him." Notice,

III. The results which followed.

1. The unclean spirit gives a last struggle to injure his victim. "And when the devil had thrown him in the midst," &c. Mark adds, "And when the unclean spirit had torn him," ch. Luk_1:26. Full of dire malignity, he essays to do his worst before he leaves his abode. Showing his cruel, insatiable desire to destroy. Luke remarks, in connection with this violent effort of the spirit, "And hurt him not," Luk_4:35. Christ knew the will and power of the demon, so as to overrule and restrain his diabolical designs. He interposed his almighty arm to save the sufferer.

2. He came out of him. Expelled by the high and supreme power of the Son of God. Miraculous, happy deliverance! Glorious emancipation. from the unclean, diabolical power of this malignant spirit.

3. The people gave homage and glory to Christ. "And they were all amazed and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out." In this profession, the dominion and power of Christ are distinctly recognized. His word is magnified. And the adoring reverence of the people is given to God’s anointed Son.

4. The fame of Christ was spread abroad. "And the fame of him went out into every place and country round about." For this miracle was so public, that many witnessed it. It was so palpable, that none could deny it. It was so wonderful that all were astonished. And it was so gracious and merciful, that the benevolent feelings of the multitude were delighted with it. Hence the fame of it was spread abroad in every direction.

Application

1. The unrenewed mind is under the power of the unclean spirit. Satan in his nature and designs, and works, is emphatically unclean. He is the enemy of purity. He lives in the region of rebellion and impiety. His work is to spread defilement and sin. And observe, he reigns and rules in the hearts of the children of disobedience.

2. Such who are thus influenced are in circumstances of misery and peril. It is a wretched, debased condition. It is one of imminent danger. For such are in a state of condemnation, and the wrath of God abideth on them. They are the objects of the Divine disapprobation, and utterly unfit for a heaven of holiness. Reflect on this, you who are under the power and influence of the spirit of evil.

8. Christ alone has power to save and deliver. It is his office and especial work. He came expressly to effect this. He has delivered myriads. He delights to save and bless. He rejoices over the spirits who are disenthralled from the satanic yoke.

4. In the gospel this deliverance is proclaimed unto you. "God having raised up Jesus, sent him to bless you, turning away every one of you from his iniquities." Act_3:26.

"He breaks the power of cancell’d sin,

And sets the prisoner free:

His blood can make the foulest clean;

His blood availed for me."

Autor: JABEZ BURNS