Justin Holcomb » God Systematic Theology Biblical Theology Doctrine

It is common to hear various non-biblical statements about the person and work of Jesus Christ. For example, "Jesus was just a man, not God" or "Jesus is only a teacher or prophet" or "Jesus' death was unfortunate, but didn't accomplish anything." Jesus claimed that he was God and that he came to seek and save the lost by conquering Satan, hell, death, evil, and sin. A few of his followers got that, but all of the demons that speak in the Gospels seem to understand this...and they shudder (James 2:19).

What Do Demons Think of Jesus?

It is interesting to see what the enemies of Jesus Christ, the demons, thought and said about him. It's generally not a good rule of thumb to get your theology from demons, but in this case it is fascinating because what they say repeats what the rest of the Bible proclaims about who Jesus Christ is and what his life, death, and resurrection mean for us. The demons in the Gospels have better teachings about Jesus than some preachers with their weak doctrines of Christ!

"What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?"—Matthew 8:29

"What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God."—Mark 1:24, Luke 4:34

"You are the Son of God."—Mark 3:11

"You are the Son of God!" But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ.—Luke 4:41

"What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me."—Luke 8:28, Mark 5:7

What Demons Reveal About Jesus' Authority

Prior to the demons' beliefs about Jesus is his command over them. In each of the passages, the demons are not even permitted to voice their beliefs without the permission of Jesus, the sovereign God. When they are permitted to speak, they acknowledge his cultural identity, his divinity, and his power over their each and every move. They acknowledge him as Lord, Son of God, the Holy One of God—and they shudder before him. The demons know that Jesus has come to earth from heaven to judge them (Rev 19:15), destroy the kingdom of darkness (Gen 3:15, Rom 16:20), disarm the demonic order (Col 2:15), and set captives free from sin and death (Rom 6:23, Rom 8:2). Calling him "Son of God" is a clear declaration of Jesus' divinity (Matt 26:63-64; John 5:17ff; 10:33-36), and the phrase "Holy One of God" is never used to describe anyone but God (Jeremiah 50:29; Isaiah 30:11). Who is holy but God alone (1 Sam. 2:2)?