Jesus, Authority and Demons

Epiphany, 4th Sunday
The Rev. Eric LeBrocq
St. John’s, Sealy

  Since the beginning of time we have tried to explain that which we do not understand. We have devised ways to satisfy ourselves that we understand that which is not understandable at the time, both physical and spiritual. Ancient man though the sun rotated around the earth, because surely we are the center of all existence. We tried to explain certain diseases as being caused by the night air, or because our parents had done bad things (sinned) and we were being punished for our “father’s sins”.

And certainly, mankind has conjured up “demons” to explain the existence of things we do not understand.  Even Christianity has tried to explain the unexplainable by saying bad things were caused by “demons”, “fallen angels”, “graven images” and symbols of other gods.

Just think of the “golden calf or bull” worshiped by many in the middle-east during the early days of the Hebrew Nation.

We have only to look at the images adoring old Christian buildings such as Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France. It has numerous, grotesque carvings on its edifices, called gargoyles. 

Christian demonology states that the mission of the demons is to induce humans to sin, often by testing their faith in God.

It has also been believed that demons torment people during their life, or through possession. Demons have been believed to try to tempt people into abandoning their faith.

There are several references in the bible to demons being confronted by Jesus. Jesus recognized the presence of these demons and they recognized him; and Jesus always had authority over the demons that mankind seemingly could not control.

Isn’t it nice to have demons in the world we can blame for our illnesses, shortcomings, limitations and failures?

Isn’t it nice to be able to say, “Oh, the devil made me do it?” How about the phrases having to do with “demon rum”? Now that is a great way to excuse drinking too much and exhibiting poor social behavior.

What are our demons today: Alcohol, cigarettes, food, sex and money, to name a few? I am sure each of us recognizes this list and, perhaps, can add to it.

These “demons” in our lives become habit forming and extremely difficult to overcome. They can be devastating to us.

We recognize the pain and misery caused by excessive exposure to these “demons”, and the long term cost to ourselves, our families and to society. 

So what are Mark and the other Gospel writers telling us here and now, today, in the 21st Century?

I believe they are telling us, in language of their time, that Jesus, God incarnate, is above our demons. Jesus, the highest of beings, both human and divine, has authority over the demons that exist in our lives.

Mark is telling us that Jesus recognizes the demons in us and has ultimate power and authority over them.

Mark is also recognizing that, in many instances, we become powerless over our sins, abuses - our “demons”.

I believe Mark is telling us, in words of the first century, that Jesus the Christ is with us, and works with us to overcome our “sins and our “demons”.

Jesus Christ, God incarnate in man, came to forgive us our sins, give us the message of God’s love and redemption; show us the way and the life that leads to salvation.

We may not be able to rid ourselves of our sins, abuses and ” demons”; but so much of our healing begins when we turn to God, ask forgiveness for our sins and genuinely ask God for help.

Ask Him, who has authority over our lives and the “demons” we try to face alone, for help.

I believe it is appropriate, at this time, to paraphrase a famous quote of Constantine, Emperor of the Roman Empire, when asked why he became a Christian: He said, I have seen the effect of God in my life and in the lives of others.

In modern day terms, “try it, you’ll like it; it works.” 

God is always with us, patiently waiting for us to invite him into our lives; so He can give us his redemptive grace and salvation.

Like Constantine, turn your life over to God, recognize you are not all powerful and see the effect of God in your life.

Mark 1:21-28