What Jesus Did! 'Power over Evil Spirits' — Mark 5:6-8

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

While Jesus was far away, the man [possessed by an evil spirit] saw him. The man ran to Jesus and bowed down before him. Jesus said to the man, "You evil spirit, come out of that man." So the man shouted with a loud voice, "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you to promise to God that you will not punish me!"
— Mark 5:6-8 NLT

Key Thought

In the Gospel of Mark, we learn that the evil spirits knew Jesus' true identity. They feared Jesus and knew he had power over them. The man we meet among the tombs in the cemetery — a man whose name we never know because his identity had been stolen by the evil spirits inhabiting him — did not speak. Instead, the evil spirits spoke through his voice. Their terror at their own defeat at Jesus' hands was revealed. Jesus, as God's Son and God's presence in human flesh, was superior to all other beings, both heavenly and earthly, both good and evil. [1] Not only while he was on earth but also now at the Father's right hand, he holds power over them. They cannot and will not defeat him. Even in the cross, he triumphed over them because of his sacrificial obedience which purchases our pardon, freedom, and righteousness.

[1] 1 Corinthians 15:27.

Today's Prayer

Holy God, Almighty Abba Father, I praise you for Jesus' power over all things and all other beings. Give me faith to believe Jesus' power and to live accordingly. While I know I will struggle against the power of Satan and his angels, I truly believe that victory is mine through Jesus. I praise you, and I thank you in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Philippians 2:9-11
  • Colossians 2:12-15
  • Hebrews 1:5, 13

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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 5:6-8 NLT — "You evil spirit, come out of that man." —— "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you to promise to God that you will not punish me!"

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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