In Matthew, Mark and Luke, the casting out of demons is closely linked to healings – as a sign of Jesus’ divine authority. His disciples also receive this authority. The Gospels show: Where Jesus works, evil must give way. But not everyone recognizes God’s power in this – the Pharisees even accuse him of working with Beelzebul. This reading plan highlights key events and their significance for our faith today.
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Day 1
Scriptures: Ephesians 6:12-18, Mark 1:23-26
Recognizing demonic influences
When was the last time you were really angry with someone? Perhaps a friend broke an important agreement. Or maybe someone wrongly accused you – and no one helped you. This feeling of not being taken seriously can affect us deeply. It’s like an invisible blow to the heart. And often – without even realizing it – we withdraw. First out of disappointment, then out of defiance. Suddenly there is a wall of silence, resentment and inner coldness.
What began as an insult becomes an inner prison. And the longer we carry these injuries around with us, the heavier they become. Like an invisible rucksack that paralyzes us – or like fine sand under our feet that makes our steps laborious until we come to a complete standstill.
Sometimes it’s the little things: a mocking remark from a colleague in the office, a comment from our parents that stays with us to this day. Words that tell us: You are not enough. You are wrong. And we ask ourselves: Why can’t I let go of this?
The Bible shows that there are forces that are more than human weakness. Powers that want to darken our hearts. Paul writes in Ephesians 6:12: “Our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the powers of darkness.”
These invisible attacks target our innermost being – to sow mistrust, destroy relationships and alienate us from God. But we are not helpless against these forces. For Jesus came to set us free.
In Mark 1, in the middle of the church service, a possessed man confronts him – loud, aggressive, full of torment. But Jesus remains calm. No spectacle, no magic. Just one clear word: “Be silent and come out!” And the demon has to leave. Silence returns. Peace.
What happened back then is still true today: where Jesus is, the darkness must give way. Perhaps there are also thoughts, hurts or dark influences in your life that are holding you back. But Jesus sees you. He calls you to freedom. You can come to him – with everything that is difficult and experience how his light dispels even the deepest darkness.
Next Step: Ask God to show you where demonic influences are at work in your life and thank Him for opening your eyes to the patterns of unseen struggles. If you like, ask God for the protection of His spiritual “armor” from Ephesians 6, imagining yourself consciously putting on each piece.
Day 2
Scriptures: Luke 11:23-26, Luke 8:2-3, 1 Corinthians 10:20-22
The power and powerlessness of demons
You know those movie scenes where a person is torn between two voices? An angel on one shoulder, a little devil on the other – both whisper their views into the protagonist’s ear. This is usually meant to be funny. But perhaps there is more truth to it than we think.
The Bible describes an invisible reality that is closely connected to our everyday lives. Ephesians 6:12 states:
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the powers and authorities, against the rulers of the darkness of the world, against the spiritual forces of evil.”
This dimension is not meant metaphorically. It is real. And it influences our thoughts, feelings and actions – often subtly, but profoundly. In many places in the Bible, we read that evil spirits not only work from the outside, but can even bind and control people internally (cf. Luke 8:2).
Maybe you’re thinking: This doesn’t affect me. No occult influence, no possession. All good. And yet Paul warns us to be vigilant – and makes a direct link between idolatry and demonic influence (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:20)
In the biblical understanding, an idol is not just a statue. It is anything I put my hope in – anything that becomes more important to me than my relationship with God. Success, control, recognition, money, even the fear of loss – all of these can become idols. And that is exactly where we open up spaces in which dark forces can work.
But: we don’t have to be afraid. Because the Bible makes it clear that these powers are real – but that they know their limits. Even demons recognize that Jesus is the Son of God (cf. Luke 4:41).
Jesus not only has compassion for us – he also has the authority to deliver. His power is greater than any darkness. But we are called to take a clear position: There is no neutral space. Freedom begins with a commitment to Jesus Christ.
He alone protects, heals, saves – and leads us into the truth. Whatever binds or unsettles you: You can know that through him you are not defenceless, but loved and liberated.
Next Step: Luke 11:23-26 warns of an open house of man. In prayer, actively invite the Spirit of God to dwell in you. This means that no other power can find a home in you.
Day 3
Scriptures: John 8:36-47, Romans 12:2-3, Colossians 1:27-28
Think truth – and live free
“Am I not free?” People ask Jesus this question – people who believed in him. An honest question. A self-confident one too. And perhaps you are asking yourself exactly the same question: I am not a slave. I make my own decisions. I am free!
But is that really true?
Jesus answered his listeners back then – and us today – with surprising clarity:
“Everyone who sins is a slave to sin.” (John 8:34)
That sounds harsh. But this is precisely where the truth is hidden that makes us free. For we are mistaken when we believe we are free, even though we are actually bound – by destructive thoughts, false beliefs or entrenched patterns of life.
The lie often disguises itself well. It sounds reasonable, even modern:
“I don’t understand this – so I reject it.”
“I want this – so it must be right.”
“I feel good about it – so it can’t be wrong.”
But if we are honest, we feel these “truths” keep us stuck. They lead to burnout, loneliness, guilt and inner emptiness. And at some point, the lie whispers in our hearts: “You can’t help it. There is no way out.”
The father of lies – as the Bible calls the devil – wants you to believe that you are not responsible, not changeable, not loved. But this is exactly where the liberating message of the gospel begins:
Jesus is the truth. And this truth has the power to renew your thoughts, to break your chains, to set your heart free.
“If you abide in my word, you will know the truth – and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)
This does not mean that everything suddenly becomes easy. But it does mean that you no longer have to remain trapped in the old ways of thinking. You can learn to think anew – in God’s truth.
“I don’t understand this (yet) – but I don’t reject it.”
“I want this – but I’m asking God if it’s good for me.”
“I feel good – but I check my feelings against the Word of God.”
When you accept Jesus as Lord, a change of rule begins: truth replaces lies. Step by step. Day by day.
Next Step: Lies have power as long as you believe them. Ask the Holy Spirit to expose the lies in your life and replace them with His truth.