“At sunset, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them. 41 Moreover, demons came out of many people, shouting, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew he was the Messiah.” Luke 4.40-41
The start of a day, as understood by the Jews and commanded by God in Genesis 1:5, began at sunset. The day started in darkness and moved into light in the morning. The Sabbath day was no different. Since God rested on the seventh day, we are also called to rest.
In reading this passage, it begins with “at sunset.” Most of us might breeze past this and not see its significance. Yet, if sunset marked the beginning of the day, it makes sense that activity began to stir that evening, especially since it was the end of the Sabbath. People would not have brought the sick to Jesus before sunset to avoid breaking the Sabbath laws, which required 24 hours of rest without work.
Jesus was above the Sabbath. He had just healed Peter’s mother-in-law in preparation for the crowds he knew would arrive—she was needed as a host. So, as the sun dropped below the horizon, people came out from their homes to Peter’s house to see Jesus. Why did they come? Some were sick, and Jesus laid hands on them, healing each one. Also, according to verse 41, demons came out of “many people,” which is rather shocking! (They are present even today! Consider the violence, shootings, and assassinations. Don’t blame humans alone—blame the influence of demons.) (On this, I recommend the fictional series by Ted Dekker, The Circle.)
When those demons emerged, Jesus rebuked them. They knew who He was before the Jews did, shouting, “You are the Son of God.” They recognized Him but did not love Him or put their faith in Him. Jesus silenced them “because they knew He was the Messiah.”
This was a typical evening in the life of Jesus: healing countless people, casting out demons, silencing them to keep His identity secret, and disrupting the havoc they caused in people’s lives. What does your typical evening look like?
Perhaps we should follow more closely in Jesus’ footsteps. Maybe we should live more in the spiritual realm than the physical. The healings were likely spiritual as well as physical, and even if they were physical, they carried spiritual implications. We are often surprised when we see someone exercising the gifts of deliverance, healing, and prophecy. (I’m thinking of Dr. Pete Bellini from United Seminary, who has a deliverance ministry.)
This all happened after sunset in Capernaum, at Peter’s house, near the Sea of Galilee, where I have stood. Jesus was doing what He does best, utilizing the gifts of the Spirit to bring healing, wholeness, and redemption to the world.
What kind of healing do you need from Christ? How might He use your life to bring about His glory? Come to Him today, seek shelter under His arms, hold up the shield of faith, and find salvation in His name.
“O Lord God, if we could only see into the spiritual realm, we would be both freaked out and amazed! Thank You that not all of us have the gift to see angels and demons. Help us know the power of Your Word and Your Spirit. Use us to battle the dark forces and bring deliverance to those in bondage. I love You, Lord, and praise Your name. Your Truth is Light. Your blood is power. Come now, Holy Spirit. Fill Your people for the work You have commanded. For You are good, and Your love endures forever.” Amen.