Are We Living on the Edge?
Is the Devil Footloose Around the Globe? What Would Jesus Say?
We are living in tumultuous times. The news headlines paint a grim picture of our world: wars and conflicts erupting in various regions, stock markets fluctuating wildly, and political turmoil gripping many Western nations. It’s enough to make anyone feel anxious and uncertain about the future. Are we all just living on the edge of…?
In the face of such global upheaval, it’s natural to wonder: Is this all the work of Satan? Has the devil been let loose on the world, free to wreak havoc as he pleases? Some people certainly think so. But before we jump to conclusions, it’s crucial to consider a different perspective — one that comes directly from Jesus himself.
To understand our current situation and find hope amidst the chaos, we need to examine what Jesus believed about the devil. His views, as recorded in the Gospels, offer us insights into the true nature of evil, its purpose and its limitations.
Jesus’ Encounters with Evil
From the very beginning of his ministry, Jesus confronted evil head-on. The Gospel of Mark recounts a dramatic scene in the synagogue at Capernaum, where Jesus encountered a man possessed by an unclean spirit. (Mark 1:23) This wasn’t just a one-off event; throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus repeatedly casting out demons and battling against evil forces.
It’s impossible to fully grasp Jesus’ ministry without acknowledging his role as an exorcist. The Gospels record at least 12 instances of Jesus casting out demons, and he even empowered his disciples to do the same. This surge in spiritual warfare coincided with the announcement of God’s Kingdom, suggesting a cosmic battle was unfolding.
The Strongman and the Stronger Man
To illustrate his understanding of the devil’s power and his own mission, Jesus used a compelling parable. He described a strongman guarding his possessions, representing Satan’s grip on the world. However, Jesus introduces the concept of a “stronger man” who can overpower the strongman, bind him, and free his captives. (Matthew 12:29)
This parable reveals Jesus’ strategic plan against the devil. Jesus saw himself as the stronger man, come to bind Satan and liberate those under his control. Every exorcism, every healing, every confrontation with evil was part of this grand strategy to defeat the enemy.
The Devil: Dangerous but Defeated
So, how dangerous is the devil, according to Jesus? The answer is nuanced. Jesus clearly recognized the devil’s capacity to cause harm and suffering. He acknowledged Satan as the “prince of this world” (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11), indicating a significant level of influence.
However — and this is crucial — Jesus also portrayed the devil as ultimately powerless against God’s authority. The unclean spirit in Capernaum recognized Jesus as “the Holy One of God” and feared destruction. This reaction reveals a fundamental truth: the devil and his forces are terrified of Christ’s power.
Jesus’ victory over Satan wasn’t just theoretical; it was demonstrated through action. Every time he cast out a demon, healed an illness attributed to Satan’s work, or taught against evil, Jesus was actively dismantling the devil’s kingdom.
The Current State of Affairs
So, where does this leave us today? Is the devil footloose around the globe causing all the turmoil we see?
Based on Jesus’ teachings, we can confidently say: No, the devil is not free to do whatever he wants. Christ’s death and resurrection were the decisive blows in this cosmic battle. As Jesus explained in his parable, the strongman (Satan) has been bound by the stronger man (Christ).
This doesn’t mean evil has disappeared from the world. The devil, though defeated, is still active — but in a limited capacity. Jesus’ metaphor suggests that Satan is like a captured enemy, restrained and stripped of his former power.
Finding Hope and Confidence
Understanding Jesus’ perspective on the devil should fill us with hope and confidence, even in these challenging times. Here’s why: Evil has limits — while the devil can still cause trouble, God’s authority ultimately constrains his power. Christ is victorious — Jesus has already won the decisive battle against evil, meaning we’re not fighting for victory, but from victory. We have protection — Jesus gave his followers authority over evil spirits, and through faith in Christ, we have spiritual protection. Our future is secure — despite temporary setbacks, God’s kingdom is advancing, and evil’s defeat is assured.
In other words, our focus should be on Christ — rather than obsessing over the devil’s actions, we should fix our eyes on Jesus and his teachings.
Five Practical Implications and Applications
How should this understanding shape our response to the troubles of our time?
1. Maintain perspective: While world events may seem overwhelming, remember that God remains in control.
2. Resist fear: The devil often works through fear and intimidation. Stand firm in the confidence of Christ’s victory.
3. Engage in spiritual practices: Prayer, worship, and studying Scripture are powerful ways to align ourselves with God’s kingdom.
4. Spread hope: Share the good news of Christ’s victory with others who may be struggling with fear and uncertainty.
5. Take action: Work to address injustice and suffering in your community, knowing that you’re participating in God’s ongoing work of restoration.
While the world may seem chaotic and frightening at times, Jesus’ teachings remind us that the devil is not footloose or in control. Christ has bound the strongman, and though evil may still cause temporary disruptions, its ultimate defeat is certain. As followers of Jesus, we can face the challenges of our time with confidence, hope, and an unwavering trust in God’s sovereign power.
The Rev. David Roseberry, an ordained Anglican priest with over 40 years of pastoral experience, offers leadership services to pastors, churches, and Christian writers. He is an accomplished author whose books are available on Amazon. Rev. Roseberry is the Executive Director of LeaderWorks, where his work and resources can be found.
This post is adapted from his book “24: One Man. One Mission. One Day”, an action-packed study and commentary on the first twenty-four hours of Jesus' ministry in Capernaum, recorded in the Gospel of Mark. Go here to read about the book.
