Evil spirits love to intimidate. When Jesus encountered one in the Capernaum synagogue, the spirit lashed out saying:

“Leave us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did you come to destroy us? I know who You are-the Holy One of God!” – Luke 4:34 NKJV

However, Jesus wasn’t intimidated or taken by surprise. He rebuked the spirit and said:

“Be quiet and come out of him!” – Luke 4:35 NKJV

Once Jesus gave the command to come out, there wasn’t a sarcastic rebuttal, or dramatic standoff, because the demon knew Jesus was in charge. However, Luke then tells us the demon threw the man to the ground, came out, but didn’t harm him. The spirit may have been enraged, but was no longer empowered.

As a disciple, there are days when evil makes its nasty presence known with personal accusations and threats, but it’s good to remember that Jesus is in-charge. He isn’t anxiously wringing His hands on the sidelines, worried by the heckling of evil spirits; His demeanor is confident and steadfast. They can be intimidating to us, but to Jesus they’re former servants awaiting final punishment. He’s the One who’ll have the last word, and He’s the One we serve!