Mark 3:7-12
Meanwhile, Jesus and his disciples withdrew to the beach, followed by a huge crowd from all over Galilee, Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, from beyond the Jordan River, and even from as far away as Tyre and Sidon. For the news about his miracles had spread far and wide and vast numbers came to see him for themselves. He instructed his disciples to bring around a boat and to have it standing ready to rescue him in case he was crowded off the beach. For there had been many healings that day and as a result great numbers of sick people were crowding around him, trying to touch him.
And whenever those possessed by demons caught sight of him they would fall down before him shrieking, “You are the Son of God!” But he strictly warned them not to make him known. While Jesus was drawing fire from the religious leaders, he was gaining great popularity among the people. Some were curious, some sought healing, some wanted evidence to use against him, and others wanted to know if Jesus truly was the Messiah. Most of these leaders could only dimly guess at the real meaning of what was happening among them.
The True Messiah
Jesus warned the demons not to reveal his identity because he did not want them to reinforce a popular misconception. The huge crowds were looking for a political and military leader who would free them from Rome’s control, and they thought that the Messiah predicted by the Old Testament prophets would be this kind of man.
Jesus wanted to teach the people about the kind of Messiah he was—one who was far different from their expectations. Christ’s Kingdom is spiritual. It begins not with the overthrow of governments, but with the overthrow of sin in people’s hearts. The demons knew that Jesus was the Son of God, but they refused to turn from their evil purposes.
Knowing about Jesus, or even believing that he is God’s Son, does not guarantee salvation. You must also want to follow and obey him (James 2:17). Have you allowed Christ to reign in your heart?