PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 4:38-41
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Would not allow them to speak because they knew he was the Messiah.” (Luke 4:41)
At first glance, this seems odd to me, why would Jesus silence this news?
But on further reflection I can see why Jesus would silence them.
They are demons; their testimony is like having an extremist group vote for you.
Their backing would make Jesus’s mission even harder.
These demons were not shouting ‘You are the Son of God’ to help him.
They were riling up the people, arousing a mob which could lead to an uprising.
This was strategic on their part, and wise on Jesus’s part to silence them.
Jesus himself hardly ever claims to be the Son of God, using ‘Son of Man’ instead.
He does not deny his messianic purpose, but he prefers to demonstrate it.
We mistakenly think that press, public acclaim or social position make us great.
Too often church leaders try to be on the stage for all the world to see.
But the higher the pedestal the harder the fall, and the distance from those in need.
Love and serve your neighbour, but don’t intentionally advertise it.
The enemy loves to prop us up so that he can push us down!
PRAYER
Lord, keep me on the ground with you, serving and sharing your love with whoever is near. I will leave it to you to spread the word!
“Moreover, demons came out of many people, shouting, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew he was the Messiah.” Jesus did not want the popularity – at least not the kind that the people wanted to give him. His Kingdom was unlike the kingdom that they were thinking. Was it Satan’s ploy to try to make Jesus popular – did Satan want to stop Jesus from going to the cross – did He know of Jesus’ mission to lay down his life for the sins of the world? Was he the mastermind behind the anti-Jesus movement to have him eventually crucified – that they would kill Jesus and thus end the Messiah. Whatever the ploy, Satan did want to stop Jesus – but Jesus knew what was up and masterfully avoids any of Satan’s tactics. He stays true to mission – and focuses on what He came on earth to do – to break the grip that our disobedience of God had on us! I too must not lose sight of my purpose as a follower – and not allow any popularity or recognition distract me!
The healing of many. It wasn’t those who were healed who proclaimed that Jesus was the Son of God but the demons. Simon’s mother-in-law was healed and served Jesus. All can say the words like the demons but words are not enough. Action must be included. Words and deeds need to go together. They were not an instrument of His peace but a stumbling block to His ministry.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.