(Matthew 8:28-29) When He came to the other side into the country of the Gadarenes, two men who were demon-possessed met Him as they were coming out of the tombs. They were so extremely violent that no one could pass by that way. 29 And they cried out, saying, “What business do we have with each other, Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?”
First of all, as stated, the demons know exactly who Jesus is. They believe He exists, they believe He is God, they believe that He went to the cross... but they do not believe IN Jesus...
(James 2:19-20) You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. 20 But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?
And yes, WHAT business do the demons have with Jesus? None. The demons are in opposition to God, and therefore they are in opposition to all Christians. They try to accuse God's children. We see this happening to Joshua...
(Zechariah 3:1) Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him.
And we see this happening with Job...
(Job 1:6-12) Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. 7 The Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?” Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “From roaming about on the earth and walking around on it.” 8 The Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil.” 9 Then Satan answered the Lord, “Does Job fear God for nothing? 10 Have You not made a hedge about him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11 But put forth Your hand now and touch all that he has; he will surely curse You to Your face.” 12 Then the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power, only do not put forth your hand on him.” So Satan departed from the presence of the Lord.
The demons will do whatever it takes to keep all people from looking to God, even if it means staying invisible to most people. This is a spiritual battle after all. But we can have confidence that God is all-powerful. And God's promise to us is this...
(1 Corinthians 10:13) No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.
What is our defense? It is quite simple. We CANNOT go out and slay demons. A friend of ours, a missionary, was getting ready for an evangelical outreach in France. They said that there was this heavy oppressive "cloud" all around them. They kept praying that God would remove the demons and the spiritual oppression, but nothing changed - until they began praying that the gospel message would be heard and that hearts would be open. So it makes sense, that the armor of God is all that we need. God will fight our battles for us, so...
(Ephesians 6:10-18) Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints.
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