For August 5, 2026
Begone, Foul Spirit! by Greg Holmes, D.MIN – Director of Missions serving 17 churches
IN MARK’S GOSPEL , Jesus is quickly defined as having miraculous powers. He has returned from the forty days and nights of temptation in the desert, and immediately gathers disciples by the force of his personality and his conviction of mission: “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” (Mark 1:17) In Luke’s gospel, Jesus returns from the desert “in the power of the Spirit.” (Luke 4:14) This first display of Jesus’ power comes in the form of the exorcism of an evil spirit, and is the first of numerous times that Jesus casts out demons. There are many historical instances from ANE writings that record stories of exorcism, but Jesus is the first to employ what has been labeled as charismatic exorcism. This event takes place in the synagogue in full view of those assembled for teaching and for prayer. His authority to do this is clearly centered in an inner source of power. “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” (Mark 1:25) The astonished response from the witnesses testifies to the unique aspect of this singular event: “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him.” (Mark 1:27b)