Matthew: Healing in His PresenceSample

Healing by Night

Evening came to Capernaum where Jesus was visiting. Waiting until night time, loved ones brought their demon-possessed family members and friends to Him. Could it be that these caregivers had been in hiding, waiting for a time when the least amount of people would see their troubled loved ones? Or could it be the expression of torment was more present during the nighttime hours?

I noticed it said "many who were demon-possessed were brought to him,'" but it didn't say all who were demon-possessed. It makes me wonder why some didn't come. Could it have been fear of getting their hopes up for a healing? What if the demon-possessed person was on their own with no one to bring them to Jesus? We may never know the reason, but those that brought their family members were about to see a miracle.

As people brought their loved ones, Jesus drove out the spirits with a word. Doesn't that remind you of the story of the Roman centurion who said to Jesus, "But just say the word, and my servant will be healed." Matthew 8:8 The King of Kings and the Lord of Lords had the ultimate authority to cast out demons with just a word.

Can you imagine seeing people liberated like that - all during the darkness of night! The Light of the World was present and the darkness had to flee. These poor caregivers and family members were blessed to have their loved ones free from mental and physical torment. They must have felt overwhelming relief and freedom. They now had their loved ones back - healthy and whole. That walk back home must have been filled with awe and amazement of what Jesus had just done.

Questions:

1. Do you believe people can either be possessed or oppressed by demons today?

2. How does the truth that Jesus can cast out darkness “with just a word” change the way you pray for yourself or others?

3. Who in your life is waiting quietly, maybe even in fear or doubt, to bring their burdens or loved ones to Jesus for healing and freedom?