From the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, casting out demons was a public and powerful demonstration of His authority.
In Mark 1:23-26,
“Now there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit. And he cried out… But Jesus rebuked him, saying, ‘Be quiet, and come out of him!’ And when the unclean spirit had convulsed him and cried out with a loud voice, he came out of him.”
This wasn’t an isolated incident.
In Matthew 8:16, it says,
“When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick.”
Jesus gave this authority to His disciples.
Luke 9:1 tells us,
“Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases.”
After His resurrection, the commission extended to believers:
“And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons…” (Mark 16:17).
What Is Demonic Possession?
Demonic possession is when a person is indwelt and controlled by an unclean spirit. It is not simply influence—it is inhabitation. This possession affects the mind, the body, and the voice of the individual.
In Mark 5, the man with the legion is a clear example. He lived in the tombs, broke chains, cut himself, and had supernatural strength. But when Jesus approached, the demons recognized Him instantly and begged not to be tormented before the time (Mark 5:7-10). This shows that demons have intellect, emotion, will, and knowledge of their ultimate fate.
This is distinct from someone who is mentally handicapped or suffering from illness. The Bible makes a sharp distinction between the two.
Matthew 4:24 says,
“Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them.”
Notice the separation—demon possession is listed alongside other conditions, not as a synonym. Scripture acknowledges physical and mental conditions apart from demonic influence.
Are We Still Supposed to Cast Out Demons Today?
Yes. The power and commission to cast out demons has not been revoked.
Jesus said in Matthew 28:20,
“teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
If His presence is still with us, so is His command. Acts 16:18 gives a New Testament example after the resurrection and ascension:
“But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, ‘I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.’ And he came out that very hour.”
This wasn’t dramatic. It was authoritative. It wasn’t theatrical. It was truthful. That’s the model.
What Does Casting Out Demons Look Like?
It’s not about rituals, shouting, or formulas. It’s about authority. Jesus cast them out with a word (Matthew 8:16). The authority is not in the volume—it’s in the name.
Acts 3:6 reminds us,
“In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”
Casting out demons today is done by a born-again believer, walking in the Spirit, recognizing the presence of the demonic, and commanding them to leave in the name of Jesus. It is always accompanied by discernment, prayer, and often fasting.
Jesus said in Mark 9:29,
“This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.”
We must also be careful—Acts 19:15-16 shows the danger of trying to cast out demons without being truly born again. The demons responded, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” and attacked them.
It’s not a game. It’s spiritual warfare. But we have victory in Jesus.
My Final Thoughts
The Bible is clear—demons are real, possession is real, and casting them out is part of the believer’s walk in authority. But not all affliction is demonic. We must discern, not assume. The Word separates sickness and possession clearly.
Casting out demons today is not about show, but submission to Christ. It is the overflow of walking in the Spirit, knowing the Word, and being led by discernment. We do it not for power, but for freedom—for the glory of Jesus. Let us be vessels of deliverance, walking in holiness, clothed in humility, and filled with the Spirit of God.
