Growth in love requires us to step into the unknown, to take the path of risk and dependence upon God. In this episode we look at Jesus’s 40-day journey into the wilderness. It is there he faces the temptation to other, easier “loves” (what are – in reality – false loves). And it is there he takes the necessary, definitive steps of obedience and trust.
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Been teaching a very fun introductory course on the Gospels, which in turn has provoked some excellent questions from the class. This one came up the other day – after an examination of Jesus’ ministry of casting out demons – and I thought I’d share.
And I would like to begin my answer by thanking the questioner for offering my inner geek the opportunity to fully express himself!
So here’s the deal: The word Matthew uses (as does Luke) in the temptation narrative is: diabolos (from which you can easily discern the Latin, Spanish, etc.). The noun diabolos is derived from the verb diaballo, which itself is a compound word from the preposition dia (= through) and ballo (= to throw). Pretty exciting, eh????
Diabollo (verb) literally means “to throw across” or “to divide, separate from,” but used in the sense of “to oppose” or “to accuse.” Can also be used in the context of deception (e.g., “to misrepresent”).
The reason one cares that the noun is derived from the verb is that it’s a pretty good indication that the noun is meant to objectify the qualities of the verb. That is to say, there isn’t a “thing” that gets named by the noun. Rather, there is a quality of being that – when expressed – is denoted by the noun. In short: there is no “thing” out there called a “devil” that you can put in the zoo. Rather, there is a thing that has the qualities of“Define “Devil””Continue reading
Few elements of the biblical story cause contemporary readers more difficulty than talk of demons and devils. To our (post-?)modern sensibilities, they seem, at best, misdiagnoses of psychiatric conditions, and, at worst, conjure images of the church at its most misguided (witch trial, anyone?). And yet, Jesus’ confrontation with demonic powers is a fundamental dimension of the Gospels. Indeed, it is his assertion that the “real” enemy is spiritual (not physical – e.g., Rome) that drives much of his messianic ministry (forgiving enemies instead of launching revolutions). And his ability to overpower that enemy – to “bind the strongman” – displays his divine authority.
In this episode we examine the story of Jesus’ exorcism of a man “possessed” by demons, and discover the many layers of meaning revealed in Jesus’ healing.
If you wish to read more on the subject of “Satan” specifically, see my recent post here.
