Jesus has power over darkness

Introduction

Give context

As soon as the disciples are given a taste of heaven, they are reminded of the brokenness on this earth.

We see in our passage the damage that spiritual darkness does to people. Yet Jesus shows his authority over demonic forces and demonstrates his power to bring healing and restoration.

The Bible teaches that all the evil in the world can ultimately be traced back to spiritual wickedness. It was the devil that tempted Eve in the garden. It is the devil that blinds the minds of unbelievers. Behind the persecution of Christians is the devil and his forces.

Yet the Bible also clearly teaches that Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil. He has authority over demonic powers, he sets people free and brings rescue to those held in the grip of spiritual darkness.

This is what we see in our passage. The darkness destroys but Jesus has power over darkness.

I. The darkness destroys v.37-40

Tell Narrative

A very dark situation.

a) The father was desperate

He cried out- In Mark 9:24 Cried out help my unbelief.

b) The boy was being destroyed

It hardly ever leaves him, it is destroying him.

v.42 shows his suffering

c) the disciples were doubting-

Matthew 17:19-20 Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Application-

All of the evil in our world finds its origin in spiritual darkness-

Eph 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms

Be careful to avoid extremes. But there is spiritual darkness and it does destroy peoples lives.

As Christians we must not be naive but we also must not be afraid because of who our Saviour is.

It was a dark situation. But the good news is Jesus is the light of the world. 

II. Jesus has power over darkness v.40-43

a) Jesus has power over darkness- v.42

Explain- Jesus’ rebuke in v.40

Jesus rebuked the impure spirit.

Luke 4:33-35 In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an impure spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice, “Go away! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” “Be quiet!” Jesus said sternly. “Come out of him!” Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him.

b) Jesus heals v.42

c) Jesus restores-

The father probably felt he lost his son the day the demon got hold of him, now he has his son back.

He we see the tenderness of Jesus- he gave him back to his father.

v.43 They were all amazed.

It is a sign. Carefully selected by God’s Spirit to be recorded for us. What does this demonstrate about who Jesus is and what he came to do?

-He is God manifest in the flesh.

-He has authority over spiritual darkness.

-He came to undo the works of the devil.

1 John 3:8  The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work

Gen 3:15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”

Colossians 2:15  And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross

Colossians 1:13 who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Application-

There is either spiritual darkness or spiritual light. Who’s side are you on?

Repent and turn to Christ.

Christian this is your Saviour. We do not need to fear.

Conclusion

The disciples had a foretaste of heaven on the mount of transfiguration but on their way back down the mount they were confronted with the brokenness of the earth.

They were reminded of the demonic powers that wreck and ruin people.

They were also reminded that the one they followed was the one who would conquer evil and had authority over the powers of darkness.