Jesus Casts Out Demons | The Wolfe Notes

These notes follow our 7-step rhythm for Bible study. Unless otherwise noted, all Bible quotes are from GOD'S WORD translation.

Jesus Casts Out Demons

(From Luke 4:31-37)

Door to the Lake by stefanie_koelbli via Pixabay

1. Summary

Jesus next went to Capernaum and preached in the synagogue there. As usual, people were moved by His teaching. Unusually, a demon-possessed man screeched at Him, imploring Jesus to leave them alone, asking if He came to destroy them, and identifying Him as the Holy One sent by God. Jesus rebuked the demon, commanding it to be silent and leave the man. Stunned by what they witnessed, the crowd murmured about what it meant that Jesus had the authority to tell demons to leave and they obeyed. Rumors of Jesus spread like wildfire.

2. N/W/L Statements

1. I NOTICED that:
1. Jesus returns to the place that He talks about in Nazareth. (x You'll probably...say to me, 'Do all the things in your hometown that we've heard you've done in Capernaum.'" Luke 4:23)
2. The demon's reaction to Jesus was fiercely abrupt. It screeched and believed it could be destroyed. (Luke 4:33-34)
3. The demons recognized Jesus' power, authority, and purpose faster and more completely than we ever did. *Perhaps because they are of the spiritual realm.
2. I WONDER 
1. Other than being stunned, what affect did this event have on the observers? Was it terrifying to hear the demon scream? Did they believe what it said? Did their opinion of who Jesus was evolve?
2. How does demonic possession even happen? Would I notice if I was possessed?
3. What would Jesus preach at church today? Would more evil spirits reveal themselves because of His presence? How would we react? Would we repent or just spread rumors of His greatness?
3. I think God wants us to LEARN that Jesus' concern is on a different level than our own. I see the physical, vain world; He sees the spiritual, eternal reality.

3. Key Verse

Get out of here! Leave us alone! What's Your agenda, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who You are: You're the Holy One, the One sent by God! Luke 4:34 (VOICE)

This verse serves as an example to how evil responds to Jesus' presence. Evil knows who Jesus is, understands what He is capable of, and seeks to escape from His presence. So, if evil knows who Jesus is and what He is capable of, should not I, who longs to be in His presence, also know who Jesus truly is and what He is capable of? Do I? Do I make an effort to learn and or think about who He truly is and what He is capable of? 

4. God's Character

1. God wants us to know His heart. (Jesus taught wherever He went.)
1. Teach me your way, O LORD, so that I may live in your truth. Focus my heart on fearing you. Psalm 86:11
2. Don't concern yourself about what you eat or drink, and quit worrying about these things. Everyone in the world is concerned about these things, but your Father knows you need them. Rather, be concerned about his kingdom. Then these things will be provided for you. Luke 12:29-31
3. Jesus answered him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one goes to the Father except through me. If you have known me, you will also know my Father. From now on you know him [through me] and have seen him [in me]." John 14:6-7
2. God is powerful and the spiritual realm knows it, recognizes it, and fears it. (The demon's reaction to Jesus presence.)
1. You believe that there is one God. That's fine! The demons also believe that, and they tremble with fear. James 2:19
2. [Jesus] created all things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible. Whether they are kings or lords, rulers or powers - everything has been created through him and for him. Colossians 1:16
3. The devil, who deceived [the nations in the four corners of the earth], was thrown into the fiery lake of sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet were also thrown. They will be tortured day and night forever and ever. Revelation 20:10
3. God protects us. (He freed the man from demonic possession.)
1. Finally, receive your power from the Lord and from his mighty strength. Put on all the armor that God supplies. In this way you can take a stand against the devil's strategies. This is not a wrestling match against a human opponent. We are wrestling with rulers, authorities, the powers who govern this world of darkness, and spiritual forces that control evil in the heavenly world. For this reason, take up all the armor that God supplies. Then you will be able to stand during these evil days. Once you have overcome all obstacles, you will be able to stand your ground. Ephesians 6:10-13
2. There was a long succession of priests because when a priest died he could no longer serve. But Jesus lives forever, so he serves as a priest forever. That is why [Jesus] is always able to save those who come to God through him. He can do this because he always lives and intercedes for them. Hebrews 7:23-25
3. At the same time the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we don't know how to pray for what we need. But the Spirit intercedes along with our groans that cannot be expressed in words. The one who searches our hearts knows what the Spirit has in mind. The Spirit intercedes for God's people the way God wants him to. Romans 8:26
4. God reveals truths in His time and for His purpose. (Jesus ordered the spirit to stay quiet.)
1. But when the right time came, God sent his Son [into the world]. A woman gave birth to him, and he came under the control of the laws given to Moses. God sent him to pay for the freedom of those who were controlled by these laws so that we could be adopted as his children. Galatians 4:4
2. Jesus told [the apostles], "You don't need to know about times or periods that the Father has determined by his own authority. Acts 1:7
3. Yet the strength of those who wait with hope in the LORD will be renewed. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and won't become weary. They will walk and won't grow tired. Isaiah 40:31

5. Pray

Father God, You are so powerful. There is nothing You cannot do. I have no reason to fear because You are with me and You call me Your own. Teach me to rest here. When fear overwhelms me, remind me that 🎵 the things that I'm afraid of are afraid of You. 🎶 You fight the darkness for me. Thank You for protecting me from the evil I do not even see.

6. Act

• When you are afraid, choose to trust in God.
• Listen to "Things That I'm Afraid Of" by Josh Wilson.
• Memorize Psalm 56:3.
• Be enthralled by His words. Learn about His power and His authority.
• Rest because you know your desire is to be in His presence.

7. Annotation Notes

? Denotes a question, * a personal thought, x a cross reference, ! a connection, and italics a referenced source.

1. ? What is significant about Capernaum? (Luke 4:31)
1. A Jewish fishing and agricultural community, where Gentiles were likely stationed. - Bible Odyssey
2. The "village of [possibly the prophet] Nahum," based on its name Kephar Nahum. - NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible 
3. Home to two distinct cultural groups: the Jewish people who worshipped in synagogues, and Hellenistic people who practiced paganism. - NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible 
4. Larger than Nazareth, though still considered small, with a population between 1 to 2 thousand. - NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible 
5. By the second century, Capernaum was a known center for Jewish Christianity. - NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible 
6. Living in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali, fulfilled prophecy: - Matthew 4:13-14 and NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible 
1. x But there will be no more gloom for the land that is in distress. God humbled the lands of Zebulun and Naphtali in earlier times. But in the future he will bring glory to the road by the sea, to the land across the Jordan River, to Galilee, where foreigners live. The people who walk in darkness will see a bright light. The light will shine on those who live in the land of death's shadow.  Isaiah 9:1-2
2. ! The demons cast into the pigs asked a similar question. At the synagogue, the demons ask "Have you come to destroy us?", and in the region of the Gadarenes, they ask, "Did you come here to torture us before it is time?" (Luke 4:33 and Matthew 8:29)
3. ! Jesus rebukes and things happen: demons leave (Luke 4:35, 41), sicknesses cease (Luke 4:39, and storms stop (Luke 8).

Sample these related posts:

• To consider why Jesus commands the demons' silence.
• To use prayer as an opportunity to know God more.
• To partner with God in prayer against spiritual wickedness.
• For a breakdown of the armor God gives us.
• For encouragement while you wait.

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