What We Should See Through Miracles

Text: Luke 4:31-37

Title: What We Should See Through Miracles

Children love toys. Sometimes, if they don’t get the toy they want, they throw a tantrum, rolling on the floor. Knowing what you want is better than not knowing. It’s a part of growing up and forming their identity, which can be seen as a positive thing. Toys are important for a child’s development because they often need them at a certain stage in life.

However, even a child who loves their toys will throw them aside if they lose sight of their mother. Even children instinctively know that something more important and essential exists beyond what makes them happy or benefits them.

Today’s passage begins with Jesus teaching in a synagogue in Capernaum, after leaving His hometown of Nazareth. Unlike His hometown, the people’s reaction in Capernaum was astonishing. The Gospel of Luke mentions that Jesus spoke with authority. It then goes on to describe His power, including the story of a man possessed by an evil spirit being set free in the synagogue.

This story reflects Jesus’ mission to free the oppressed, as declared in His earlier ministry. What’s interesting is that the man with the unclean spirit was in the synagogue—a place where God’s Word was read and shared. How could an unclean spirit coexist in such a holy place? The answer is simple: it can happen when the Word is received without any personal connection or relevance to our lives.

In verse 34, the demon knew exactly who Jesus was but declared that it had nothing to do with Him. The demon acknowledged Jesus but remained separated from Him. This demonstrates how even knowing the truth without accepting it can lead to spiritual corruption.

For example, in a seminary, someone may study the Bible academically but remain unconnected to Jesus. Similarly, if we approach God’s Word as something unrelated to us, we risk spiritual darkness. Even rejecting Jesus’ words as irrelevant is, in itself, a form of impurity.

Let’s consider Peter, Jesus’ disciple, and his first encounter with Jesus. Peter wasn’t there to listen to Jesus but allowed Him to use his boat to preach because of the crowd. Peter was having a bad day; he hadn’t caught any fish. Lending his boat likely annoyed him, but he did it anyway. As Jesus spoke, Peter overheard the message. Though Peter initially thought it had nothing to do with him, the words eventually convicted him. He realized his unworthiness and confessed, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” (Luke 5:8). The Word revealed his true, sinful self, leading him to repentance.

Now, let’s go back to the demon. The demon also heard Jesus’ words but reacted with anger and declared it had nothing to do with Him. Jesus, however, cast out the demon because His mission is to bring freedom. Demons steal our freedom and rights, tempting us into sin and leading us into destruction. In contrast, Jesus came to give us life—life to the full.

In verse 35, the demon, forced to leave, threw the man down violently, showing its cruel nature. However, the man was unharmed. This demonstrates that Jesus not only frees us but also protects us in dangerous situations. Hallelujah!

Just as toys are important but not as vital as a parent, there are many things in our lives that we need—food, clothing, shelter, and relationships. We work hard to achieve these, but none of it is more important than our relationship with Jesus. His Word is deeply relevant to our lives. Through a relationship with Jesus, we gain life and abundance.

While demons bring oppression, theft, and destruction, Jesus restores, protects, and gives abundant life. His miracles reveal His Word and power, which are fueled by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit empowers us, like Jesus, to free others and stand against evil.

However, we must use this power with the right motives. If we act for personal gain or glory, we harm ourselves and others. In Acts, when the sons of Sceva tried to imitate Paul and cast out demons, they were attacked because the demons didn’t recognize their authority in Jesus (Acts 19:13-16). The difference was their lack of a true relationship with Jesus. Paul acted under God’s will, motivated by love and compassion for others, which glorified God, not himself.

If we seek miracles for selfish reasons, we risk falling into spiritual danger. Miracles should point us to God’s holy glory and heart. When we see His light, it exposes the darkness within us, revealing our sins and leading us to repentance. True repentance is even more joyful than casting out demons because it brings us closer to God.

May we experience the joy of repentance and live abundant lives in Jesus. Amen.