The Pulpit Commentary — Luke — Volume 1 — Section 120

II. 0uB Lonn DEMONSTRATED HIS POWER OVEB DEVILS Al! WELL AB OVER MP:N. (Vere. 33-37.) In the synagogue there happened to be an unfortunate man pussesS"!ri by what is called an "unclean devil;" hie "inspirations" from this unhappy source being perhaps of a lustful and sensual character. The possession of men by demons was a struggle upon the diabolical spirit's part for a physical instrument to bring him into relations with the sensible and material world. The humanity of the man became the slave or hack of the demon. He used the mau's voice to utter hie unholy thoughts, and reduced the poor subject to utter wretchedness. The presence of the holy Saviour aroused the demon's fears. He saw that his hour of judgment had come; and so, a.a a last resort, he tried to injure the reputation of Jesus by bearing witness to his holy character. There are some people from whom it is not desirable to hold certiRcates or receive testimonials. And in this appeal to Jesus he speaks for the man as well aA for himself, as if he had a commission to do so. "Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, Jesus of Nazareth? Art thou come to destroy us?" etc. \Ve have thus set before us: 1. 'l'he separating power of sin. The fellowship of the holy is not desired. 2. The inherent dread of judgment. The demon felt he deserved destruction. 3. The overweening sense of success in sin. The demon imagined that the poor possessed one would be involved in his own destruction. And now Jesus first silences the spirit, indicating that he desires no such witnesses; and, secondly, commands him to come out of the possessed one. In this way the demon is bidden back to that spiritual realm which he seemed so anxious to escape. There is nothing for it but to obey Christ. In doing so, however, he does his worst upon the poor possessed one; he throws him down, and to all appearance has once more the mastery over his prey. It is a last and unsuccessful effort. The man is found to have come unscathed through the ordeal. The restoration of human nature to freedom from demoniacal temptation is one great object of the Sa,viour's work, Clothing men in their right mind again, enabling them to think and act for themselves, and to resist the subtle temptations to impurity and sin,-tbis is a glorious function of the Holy One of God! The result of the miracle was the recognition of Jesus as the Sovereign of that spiritual world below man, from which he is liable to assault. His mighty word not only controlled human hearts, but extended to demons too. They had to obey his commands, no matter how loath they might be to do so. And this should comfort us in our temptations. Ill. OUR LORD QARRIES ON IN PETER'S HOUSEHOLD THE HEALING WOBX WHICH HE HAD EXERCISED IN THE PUBLIC CONGREGATION. (Vers. 38, 38.) Peter's mother-in- law was ill of a great fever; and when he was come in they besought him for her. We are thus taught that our Lord likes to be asked for the blessings he is so ready to afford. Prayer is the natural cry of need, or of intercession, to One who is able to meet man's difficulties and bless him. And so our Lord, being besought, goes to the patient, rebukes the fevor, takes her by the hand, and lo! it leaves her; and she rose to the activities of health again. Her ministration showed the immediate and complete character of the cure, and also the gratitude which should characterize one who is saved by Jesus. And arc we not thus taught that we should bring our fevered souls to Jesus as the great Physician? He can take away the fever instantaneously. There is nothing so wonderful as the way in which we regain spiritual health at the throne of grace. But let us see to it that it leads to ministra1iun. Ho gives us back our health that we may use it for his glory and the benefit of those about us. IV. OUR LORD IS NEXT SEEN TAKING DISEASES AND POSSESSED ONES BY WHOLE- SALE, AND HEALING THEM. (Vers. 40, 41.) At sunset, when the sabbath ended, and when under the friendly shades of ni;rht the poor sick and deformed ones could conveniently be brought to him, he finds an immense opportunity confronting him. Peter'~ house is turned into a consulting hospital, and, like famous phy~icians, he is well-mgh overwhelmed with work. Possessed ones are also brought to him; and the demons adopt the same plan as the one noticed already-they begin to testify to his Messiahshi}l and Sonship. This mass of suffering humanity he takes in hand, and with infallible certainty heals them every one. He accomplifilies the healing, too, in the most sympathetic fashion, In.ring hi8 tender band on each, and conveying through contact the needful blessing. ] t was truly "a night much to be rememhered" by nil these Rons and daughters of affiiction whom Jesus thus loringly healed! .A.s for tbtJ demons, on the othor hand, they receive nothing from him but rebuke. He will nu~ 112 THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. LUKm. [on. v. 1-39.