11:14-16
Today there are many “discernment ministries” which take great care and delight in pointing out the errors in various, often charismatic, ministries. In one sense things were not that different in Jesus’ day and with Jesus Himself. Jesus regularly cast out demons, and verse 14 tells us of one such incident. A demon had caused the man to be mute, after Jesus cast out the demon the man could speak, and many were amazed. But there were also those who accused Jesus Himself of being demon possessed, of using demonic power to cast out demons. Others did not go this far, but asked for a sign from heaven.
Now there is a crucial difference between Jesus and any modern day ministry. Jesus is the Son of God and all His healings and casting out of demons were completely genuine, and were done for furthering the kingdom. That is not the case today. There are some who are complete charlatans, just trying to get money or fame. There are others who are deluded, some who overclaim. But there are also some who are genuine. The point is that when someone, or some group, is genuinely doing the work of God they will challenge the norms of society, including the norms of church life. “Charismatic” type incidents are not the only way this can happen, they may challenge the thinking of society, or challenge society’s attitudes to the poor. But opposition is normal.
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