What Old Testament prophecies connect to Jesus' power over demons in Matthew 12:24? Setting the Scene: Jesus and the Pharisees “But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, ‘Only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, does this man drive out demons.’ ” Here are the key Old Testament prophecies that anticipate the Messiah’s authority to crush Satan’s kingdom and expel unclean spirits. The First Promise of Victory over the Serpent • Genesis 3:15 – “I will put enmity between you and the woman… He will crush your head.” ➔ From Eden forward, Scripture expects a coming Seed who will deal a decisive blow to the devil—every exorcism previews that final head-crushing. Messiah Treads on Deadly Powers • Psalm 91:13 – “You will tread on the lion and cobra; you will trample the young lion and serpent.” ➔ Lion and serpent imagery points to demonic forces; Jesus literally “treads” on them when He casts out demons. All Enemies as a Footstool • Psalm 110:1 – “The LORD said to my Lord: ‘Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.’ ” ➔ Demonic powers are among those enemies placed under His feet; Matthew 12 puts this authority on display. Light Shining into Satan’s Darkness • Isaiah 9:2 – “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.” ➔ Jesus’ miracles in Galilee (Matthew 4 and 12) fulfill this promise by pushing back spiritual darkness. Deliverance for the Oppressed • Isaiah 35:4-6 – “Be strong; do not fear… He will come to save you. Then the eyes of the blind will be opened…” • Isaiah 42:6-7 – “To open the eyes of the blind, to bring prisoners out of the dungeon.” • Isaiah 49:24-26 – “Even the captives of the mighty will be taken away.” • Isaiah 61:1 – “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me… to proclaim liberty to the captives.” ➔ Each passage ties Messiah’s arrival to setting captives free—ultimately from demonic bondage. The Unclean Spirit Removed from the Land • Zechariah 13:2 – “I will remove the prophets and the unclean spirit from the land.” ➔ Jesus’ public exorcisms inaugurate this promised cleansing. Preview of Satan’s Rebuke • Zechariah 3:2 – “The LORD said to Satan: ‘The LORD rebuke you, Satan!’ ” ➔ Foreshadows Christ’s own rebukes of demons (cf. Mark 1:25). Putting It All Together • From Genesis to Zechariah, Scripture foretells a Deliverer who will crush the serpent, tread on deadly powers, free captives, and purge unclean spirits. • Matthew 12:24 records the Pharisees’ attempt to explain away the very fulfillment of those prophecies. • Jesus’ authority over demons is not an isolated wonder but the long-promised sign that the kingdom of God has arrived and the serpent’s doom is certain. |
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