Luke 4:38-41
“Notice what you notice.” So today we have the third of the Synoptics’ accounts of Jesus healing Peter’s mother-in-law. And the accounts are in agreement as to that healing and as to Jesus healing the sick and casting out demons. Mark and Luke also have Jesus leaving the Synagogue (on the Sabbath; this we know from readings three and four days ago). In addition, all the accounts have the people coming to Jesus after sunset with their sick and demon-possessed.
Luke, however, paints a slightly different picture of these Sabbath healings. Matthew and Mark separate the needy into two groups, those who were sick/ill and those who were demon-possessed. Mark has Jesus healing “many” of the people in those two groups. Matthew has Jesus healing “all” who were sick and is unclear as to “many” or “all” of the demon-possessed. Luke has only one group: …all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them. And demons also came out of many… (vv. 40-41a). That is, Luke the physician (a) has Jesus healing “every one” of those who were brought to Him and (b) has the demon-possessed included among those who “were sick with various diseases”.
So, could one build a case today that much illness in our world today is the work of demons? That is, viruses, infections, “bugs”, etc., are they all manifestations of demons within us? The cold and congestion that I am trying to shake right now…? Carol and I pray for me to be healed quickly because of my surgery in ten days. Should we be praying against demons within me? I’ve been a part of one demon battle, I don’t look forward to another. Lord, have mercy…!!!
Slava Bohu!!