 |
Carl H. Bloch
Jesus Tempted from the Chapel at
Frederiksborg Palace in Copenhagen
(commons.wikimedia.org) |
The meme WWJD [What Would Jesus Do?)
1 necessitates knowing what He actually did, yet somehow, many of us seem completely oblivious (or is it ashamed?) to speak about a fundamental of His healing—the casting out of unclean spirits, devils, and demons.
Here is scriptural witness:
2
1And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatic, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them. (New Testament | Matthew 4:23-24)
2When the even was come, they brought unto [Jesus] many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: (New Testament | Matthew 8:16)
3And when [Jesus] was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way. And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time? And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding. So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters. And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils. And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts. (New Testament | Matthew 8:28-34)
4As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil. And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel. (New Testament | Matthew 9:32-33)
5Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw. (New Testament | Matthew 12:22)
6And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table. Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour. (New Testament | Matthew 15:22-28)
7And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying, Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him. Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me. And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour. Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: … Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. (New Testament | Matthew 17:14-21)
8And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God. And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him. And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him. And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee. (New Testament | Mark 1:23-28)
9And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils. And all the city was gathered together at the door. And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him. (New Testament | Mark 1:32-34)
10And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils. (New Testament | Mark 1:39)
11For he had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had plagues. And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God. (New Testament | Mark 3:10-11)
12AND they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes. And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains: Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him. And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones. But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him, And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not. For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit. And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many. And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country. Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding. And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them. And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea. And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done. And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine. (New Testament | Mark 5:1-16)
13For a certain woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of him, and came and fell at his feet: The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter. But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it unto the dogs. And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children's crumbs. And he said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter. And when she was come to her house, she found the devil gone out, and her daughter laid upon the bed. (New Testament | Mark 7:25-30)
14And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice, Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God. And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not. And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out. (New Testament | Luke 4:33-36)
15Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them. And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ. (New Testament | Luke 4:40-41)
16And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judæa and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases; And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed. (New Testament | Luke 6:17-18)
17And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight. (New Testament | Luke 7:21)
18And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, (New Testament | Luke 8:2)
19And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not. (For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.) And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him. And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep. And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them. Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked. When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country. Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed. ... Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying, Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him. (New Testament | Luke 8:27-36; 38-39)
20And, behold, a man of the company cried out, saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son: for he is mine only child. And, lo, a spirit taketh him, and he suddenly crieth out; and it teareth him that he foameth again, and bruising him hardly departeth from him. And I besought thy disciples to cast him out; and they could not. And Jesus answering said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you, and suffer you? Bring thy son hither. And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father. (New Testament | Luke 9:38-42)
21And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered. (New Testament | Luke 11:14)
22But if I [Jesus] with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you. (New Testament | Luke 11:20)
23And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself. And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity. And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. And the … Lord … said, … ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day? (New Testament | Luke 13:11-16)
24How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. (New Testament | Acts 10:38)
25And he spake unto me again, saying: Look! And I looked, and I beheld the Lamb of God going forth among the children of men. And I beheld multitudes of people who were sick, and who were afflicted with all manner of diseases, and with devils and unclean spirits; and the angel spake and showed all these things unto me. And they were healed by the power of the Lamb of God; and the devils and the unclean spirits were cast out. (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 11:31)
26For behold, the time cometh, and is not far distant, that with power, the Lord Omnipotent who reigneth, who was, and is from all eternity to all eternity, shall come down from heaven among the children of men, and shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay, and shall go forth amongst men, working mighty miracles, such as healing the sick, raising the dead, causing the lame to walk, the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear, and curing all manner of diseases. And he shall cast out devils, or the evil spirits which dwell in the hearts of the children of men. (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 3:5-6)
Not only was Jesus’ ministry to heal by casting out unclean spirits, devils, and demons,
His first commission to His disciples was giving power to do the same:
27AND when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. (New Testament | Matthew 10:1)
28And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits; … And they went out, and preached that men should repent. And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them. (New Testament | Mark 6:7, 12-13)
29THEN he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. (New Testament | Luke 9:1-2)
30AFTER these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. … And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. (New Testament | Luke 10:1, 17-20)
31And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is on our part. (New Testament | Mark 9:38-40)
32And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us. (New Testament | Luke 9:49-50)
33(... And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.) Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one. (New Testament | Acts 5:14-16)
34And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. (New Testament | Acts 8:6-7)
35And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them. Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds. Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed. (New Testament | Acts 19:11-20)
36And in the name of Jesus did [Nephi3] cast out devils and unclean spirits; and even his brother did he raise from the dead, after he had been stoned and suffered death by the people. … And as many as had devils cast out from them, and were healed of their sicknesses and their infirmities, did truly manifest unto the people that they had been wrought upon by the Spirit of God, and had been healed; and they did show forth signs also and did do some miracles among the people. (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 7:19, 22)
37And these signs shall follow them that believe—in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover; And whosoever shall believe in my name, doubting nothing, unto him will I confirm all my words, even unto the ends of the earth. (Book of Mormon | Mormon 9:24-25)
38And whoso shall ask it in my name in faith, they shall cast out devils; they shall heal the sick; they shall cause the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak, and the lame to walk. And the time speedily cometh that great things are to be shown forth unto the children of men; (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 35:9-10)
39And these signs shall follow them that believe—In my name they shall do many wonderful works; In my name they shall cast out devils; In my name they shall heal the sick; In my name they shall open the eyes of the blind, and unstop the ears of the deaf; And the tongue of the dumb shall speak; And if any man shall administer poison unto them it shall not hurt them; And the poison of a serpent shall not have power to harm them. But a commandment I give unto them, that they shall not boast themselves of these things, neither speak them before the world; for these things are given unto you for your profit and for salvation. (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:65-73)
40And these signs shall follow him—he shall heal the sick, he shall cast out devils, and shall be delivered from those who would administer unto him deadly poison; And he shall be led in paths where the poisonous serpent cannot lay hold upon his heel, and he shall mount up in the imagination of his thoughts as upon eagles' wings. (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 124:98-99)
So what can we learn from these witnesses? That
▪ unclean spirits can cause physical as well as mental infirmities? (1-5,16-19,20,22-26,36)
▪ demonic spirits can be loud, violent, and powerful? (3,8,12,14,15,19,20,34)
▪ multiple demons can possess a single person?3 (3,12,19)
▪ demons can provoke crying out and cutting? (12)
▪ young children can be afflicted? (6,7,13,20)
▪ prayer and fasting may be required in casting out long-term possession? (7,20)
▪ demons and devils recognize Jesus and His power? (3,8,9,11,12,14,15,19,35)
▪ even church goers can have possession problems? (8,14)
▪ some people fear the power exercised by divinely-called healers? (3,12,19)
▪ when exercising their power in Christ, healers are not to boast? (38)
▪ healing is sometimes done remotely? (6,13,35; Matthew 8:13)
▪ some fraudulent, self-aggrandizing “healers” invoke the name of Jesus in vain?4 (35)
▪ we may not always recognize healers whom God endorses? (31,32)
▪ casting out of devils, demons, and unclean spirits is a sign following those that believe in Christ? (6,13,36-40)
So, why are so many pastors so
deaf and
dumb about the healing and deliverance pattern manifest by Jesus? And on the other hand, why are so many self-seeking “healers” making such a spectacle of “healing” when Jesus often instructed those healed not to broadcast it about?
5
How many suffering souls endure beyond endurance because spiritual leaders never acknowledge the reality of demonic oppression and/or possession? never admit the reality of demonic whisperings that agitate depressions, hostilities, violence, addictions, temptations, unwanted memories, despair, suicidal thoughts, and on and on? Doesn’t Biblical Job’s case—a man described as “perfect and upright”—tell us that good people are prime targets of the adversary as he roams the world "seeking whom he many devour"?
How are we ever going to effectively help the millions of SRA, Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), mind control, and trauma victims and survivors that are already overwhelming a corrupted, secularized system? Tragically, even many such survivors bypass and label this healing paradigm as archaic and irrational despite their direct encounters with demonic forces. Do we really think that God, Creator of Worlds, does not understand ALL things as they were, are, and are to come?
Healers with faith are desperately needed to discern when "casting out" is appropriate, for it may not be in all cases. But for those who believe the Word, casting out was frequently necessary AND invoked by the Savior and those who honestly spoke and acted in His name.
Who is preparing to meet the mounting crisis?
6
Considering all the pain and suffering in this world; the unimaginable crimes of those pursuing and protecting power, prestige, and gain; and the desperate need for healing, please let us learn how and prepare to
DO WHAT JESUS DID!
And again do not misunderstand: Not all God's healing is accomplished in the same way. Naaman was required to wash in the Jordan seven times;
7 ten lepers were told to “Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed”;
8 an impotent man at Bethesda's pool was told to “sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.”
9 So, in addition to God's intervention, our personal awareness, insights, and actions may be required
10 to fully heal from fragmentation, dissociation, and trauma. Why then do we Christians not
begin with the hope and promise that:
... after he is laid in a sepulchre for the space of three days he shall rise from the dead, with healing in his wings; ...11
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1.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/What_would_Jesus_do%3F
meme ~ mēm/ ~ noun: an element of a culture or system of behavior that may be considered to be passed from one individual to another by nongenetic means, especially imitation. | a humorous image, video, piece of text, etc. that is copied (often with slight variations) and spread rapidly by Internet users.
2. (A few are duplicate accounts by different writers.)
3.
New Testament | JST, Matthew 12:37–39; compare Matthew 12:43–45 ~ Then came some of the scribes and said unto him, Master, it is written that, Every sin shall be forgiven; but ye say, Whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven. And they asked him, saying, How can these things be? And he said unto them, When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest and findeth none; but when a man speaketh against the Holy Ghost, then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth him empty, swept and garnished; for the good spirit leaveth him unto himself. Then goeth the evil spirit, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in and dwell there; and the last end of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be unto this wicked generation.
4.
New Testament | Matthew 7:21-23 ~ Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
5.
New Testament | Matthew 8:4 ~ And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
New Testament | Matthew 9:30 ~ And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it.
New Testament | Luke 8:56 ~ And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.
New Testament | Luke 9:21~ And he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing;
See also New Testament | Matthew 16:20; Mark 7:36; Mark 8:30; Mark 9:9; Luke 5:14
6.
New Testament | 1 Peter 5:8 ~ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
New Testament | Ephesians 6:11-18 ~ Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
7. Old Testament | 2 Kings 5; New Testament | Luke 4:27
8. New Testament | Luke 17:12-14
9. New Testament | John 5:2-15
10. Or as one survivor puts it: “You have to learn your past from the inside out, not from outside input in order to heal” (Cathy O'Brien from
Access Denied For Reasons of National Security: Documented Journey from CIA Mind Control Slave to U.S. Government Whistleblower). Or perhaps in these words:
Old Testament | Ezekiel 36:27 ~ And I will put my spirit
within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them; or
New Testament | Luke 17:21 ~ Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is
within you.
11. Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 25:13; see also
Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 25:2 ~ But unto you that fear my name, shall the Son of Righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth and grow up as calves in the stall. (Also Old Testament | Malachi 4:2).
