Reflections on Mark's Gospel - Mark 1:24

The Unclean Spirit's Challenge

The unclean spirit uses the man's mouth, etc. to formulate speech which could be heard. And he expresses himself, firstly, using an idiomatic phrase (that comes from the Hebrew) - a phrase that in the Gk reads "τι ημιν και σοι", literally "what [is it] to us and you?" The question clearly expects a negative answer... we have nothing in common.

The use of the plural is worth considering. What does the unclean spirit (and there is only one identified here) mean by using the word "us"? Is there more than one spirit possessing the man? Is the spirit referring to both itself and the man? Is the spirit speaking as a representative of all the evil spirits? I think the third option is to be preferred. There is no indication that more than one spirit is in this particular man. Jesus did not act in a way to destroy the man, but release him from his spiritual oppression. And this episode is an example of Jesus' ministry, which Mark summarises as "casting out many demons" (Mar_1:34)

The spirit seeks to challenge Jesus. It uses two questions, firstly, "what is the relationship between you and us?" and, secondly, "have you come to destroy us?". It also uses two names to identify Jesus, firstly one that focuses on his earthly identity "Jesus of Nazareth" and the second focuses on his divine identity "the Holy One of God". Perhaps there is a link between the question and the use of the name?

The questions can be read two ways. The first way is as a genuine enquiry, where the spirit is looking for Jesus to respond with information. But given the way Satan used a question with Eve in Eden, and the way he used questions in the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness, it is more likely that these questions are being posed as a challenge to Jesus' authority.

The first question challenges Jesus right to intervene in this situation. The aspect of his identity that the demon focuses on is his earthly life - his human name and his home town. What can the man, Jesus, from some little town, be thinking taking on demons?

The second question challenges Jesus power and purpose. The aspect of his identity that the demon focuses on is his Messianic status. Another use of this term "Holy One" occurs in Psa_16:10, which the apostles later apply to Jesus (Act_2:27, Act_3:14, Rev_3:7). How can God's holy Messiah act destructively? Is that consistent with the expression of God's love?
How does Jesus respond to this unclean spirit's taunting and challenge? What are his answers to the demon's questions?