The Gospels show that whenever demons/”>demons recognized Jesus’ identity, He rebuked them and commanded them not to speak. Mark records:
“Now He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him.” (Mark 1:34)
Later, Mark adds:
“And the unclean spirits, whenever they saw Him, fell down before Him and cried out, saying, ‘You are the Son of God.’ But He sternly warned them that they should not make Him known.” (Mark 3:11–12)
Luke also describes this:
“And demons also came out of many, crying out and saying, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of God!’ And He, rebuking them, did not allow them to speak, for they knew that He was the Christ.” (Luke 4:41)
Jesus silenced the demons because their testimony was not fitting. Though they spoke the truth about who He was, their witness came from unclean spirits, not from God. He would not allow His identity to be proclaimed by His enemies. Moreover, the timing of His full revelation was according to the Father’s plan, not Satan’s schemes.
Matthew records that Jesus’ identity as the Christ was to be revealed in God’s way and time, especially through His works and ultimately through His death and resurrection. As Jesus said to His disciples:
“Then He commanded His disciples that they should tell no one that He was Jesus the Christ.” (Matthew 16:20)
By silencing demons, Jesus showed that the truth about Him would not come from evil spirits but from His teaching, His miracles, and His sacrifice. His authority over them demonstrated His power, while His command for silence showed His wisdom in revealing Himself according to the Father’s will.
