After Jesus “ordination” (baptism) and “basic training” (temptation in the wilderness) his first order recorded in Mark’s Gospel was “The time is fulfilled (not coming, but now is). The Kingdom of God is at hand (no more waiting!). Repent and believe the gospel.” (Mark 1:15) The new King is installed and his rule is inaugurated (and will continue forever). Many times in His brief 3-year ministry Jesus demonstrated there was a “new sheriff in town.” “Jesus cast out many devils.” (Mark 1:34, Luke 13:32, etc.)
“That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. The whole town gathered at the door, and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.
Mark 1:32-34
They Knew His Identity
When Jesus confronted the Gerasene demoniacs, the legion of devils inhabiting them recognized Jesus identity, authority and power and begged Him, “‘Let us alone, Son of God!’ they shouted. ‘Did You come here to torture us before it is time?’ Far away a herd of many hogs was feeding. ‘If you mean to drive us out,’ the demons were begging Jesus, ‘send us into that herd of hogs!
He said to them, “Go!” So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water. Those tending the pigs ran off, went into the town and reported all this, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region.
Matthew 8:32-34
Jesus Finished The Mission
Satan (the Big Guy himself) repeatedly tried to tempt Jesus to abandon His costly and painful rescue mission to free us hostages, sometimes using even His closest disciples. But Jesus recognized the source, and commanded, “Get behind me Satan!” Abandoning subterfuge Satan finally attacked Jesus full force in the Garden of Gethsemane, and then mocked Him on the cross, “If you are the Son of God, save yourself!” Nothing Satan tried worked. Jesus successfully finished the rescue mission He was sent by His Father from heaven to accomplish: bearing the sins of the world on Himself for our salvation.
A few days earlier that Holy Week Jesus had publicly and victoriously proclaimed: “Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” (John 12:31-32)
Conclusion: the millennium is now. Jesus rules.
