By Nina Mistula
Last week, we talked about who Jesus really is - that He is the real Son of God because He can perform miracles and heal the sick. This morning, we will talk about what He can do. But before we do that, we need to see how Jesus was criticized in the story found in Mark 3:22-30. The pharisees were monitoring Jesus’ every move because He was not obeying the law. When he made the crippled man walk, they were angry because He performed a miracle during the Sabbath. You are not supposed to do anything on the Sabbath Day. Nothing. It was considered work when Jesus healed the sick but He told them that God never rests so why should He.
Mark 3:22-30 says, “But the teachers of religious law who had arrived from Jerusalem said, “He’s possessed by Satan, the prince of demons. That’s where he gets the power to cast out demons.” Jesus called them over and responded with an illustration. “How can Satan cast out Satan?” he asked. “A kingdom divided by civil war will collapse. Similarly, a family splintered by feuding will fall apart. And if Satan is divided and fights against himself, how can he stand? He would never survive. Let me illustrate this further. Who is powerful enough to enter the house of a strong man and plunder his goods? Only someone even stronger—someone who could tie him up and then plunder his house. “I tell you the truth, all sin and blasphemy can be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven. This is a sin with eternal consequences.” He told them this because they were saying, “He’s possessed by an evil spirit.” Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him. They stood outside and sent word for him to come out and talk with them. There was a crowd sitting around Jesus, and someone said, “Your mother and your brothers are outside asking for you.” Jesus replied, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” Then he looked at those around him and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.””
If you do so many things for the Lord, people will also criticize you. They will look for the wrong things you do instead of believing the things that you can actually do. But focusing on all the supernatural things that Jesus can do, you will really believe in His miracles. But the pharisees did not. So many preachers have given a talk about all the miracles that He did. All of those should be a reminder of how powerful He really is so you should never forget.
Jesus can heal. (V.5) - Who has experienced healing in Jesus’ name? When people lay hands on you and pray for you, you somehow feel better and lighter. Jesus truly heals. His power is limitless. Sabbath or not, he heals, any day, all day, every day. Just call on His name and all will be well. Have you ever experienced that? You are doing all you can for the Lord, serving in His kingdom and people criticize you? Don’t worry. You are not alone. Many Christians everywhere feel the same. Jesus was criticized for that too.
Jesus can cast out demons. (V. 11) - Jesus cast out demons so many times in all the gospels. If you believe in His name, evil spirits will be gone.
Jesus can fight the darkness. (V. 27) - The devil has overcome the world and he can make you fall in ways that you cannot even imagine. You cannot fight him on your own. But when Jesus is on your side, you have already won the battle. Do not be afraid because the devil is afraid of Him.
Silent battles are real. So is spiritual warfare. Believe it or not, there are things happening around you that you do not see. Although it may be true that to see is to believe, things we do not see do not always mean that they do not exist. But Jesus has trampled the enemy at His feet and has won all our battles for us. He wants you to be free from all the darkness that surrounds you. In all and every aspect of your life, only Jesus can save you from the rut you are in. You can only find hope, freedom and victory in Jesus’ name. He can do everything because nothing is impossible for Him.
As Christians, God is calling you to do something. He is calling you o heal the sick and to cast out demons. Sometimes, it is very difficult to obey because we feel like we cannot do it. But Jesus did it and people criticized Him for it. Do not be surprised if they do the same thing to you. What’s sad is that when Jesus was ministering to people on earth, all they could see was the bad He was doing. Even Christians doubt in His power sometimes. We always find a reason why we do not want to obey the things He tells us to do. Unless you experience His power on your life, you will never fully believe in His power of others.
If Jesus can, then you can too! If Jesus can heal, then you can heal. If Jesus can cast out demons, you can cast out demons too. If Jesus can fight the enemy, then you can also fight darkness.do you believe that? The only way to do it is to believe that you really can. We can do so many things if we only believe.
Take authority. Luke 9:1 says, “When Jesus had called the twelve together, He gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases.” Jesus gave all of us the power to do those things too. All believers have the power to heal the sick and cast out demons. Why are we not using it nowadays? Luke 10:19 says, “I have given you authority to trample snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” Jesus assures us that nothing bad will happen to us if we take authority. Jesus came not only to save us but to be a good model to all of man’s divine potential. Your divine potential is your capacity to become like your heavenly parents. If you have that kind of authority, will you still be afraid to obey?
Wear the weaponry. Ephesians 6:14-18 says, “Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” Jesus does not give you authority and then just leave you hanging. He also gave you weapons that you can use to fight the forces of darkness on earth.
A. Truth - The enemy loves to lie and he will always tell you that you cannot do it. The truth that can be found in the word of God is one of the best weapons you can use. With it, the enemy cannot make you believe anything rhat you do not want to.
B. Faith - If you go to battle without faith, it is like going without clothes on. You will be ashamed. You have to already believe that you have won. Or else, you have already lost.
C. Word of God - God’s word gives us wisdom. It is very important to meditate on it day and night. How can you fight the enemy if you do not have any weapon?
D. Prayer - Prayer should not be your last defense. It should be your first offense. You will be more empowered when you pray. It will be your shield against the enemy’s attack.
Claim the victory. Deuteronomy 20:4 says, “For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” You are already victorious. You only need to claim it. The battle has already been won. It is finished. Do not have second thoughts anymore. If you think you cannot do it, then you have already lost. Know that you are a victorious child of God. Then the battle has already been won.
Nothing goes to waste when you are doing it for the Lord. You cannot find anything negative about Him. That is the reason why the enemy is continuously looking for the bad in you. Do not allow him to steal, kill and destroy.
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