Some Jews went around driving out evil spirits. They tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus to set free those who were controlled by demons. They said,“ In Jesus’ name I command you to come out. He is the Jesus that Paul is preaching about.”Seven sons of Sceva were doing this. Sceva was a Jewish chief priest.One day the evil spirit answered them,“ I know Jesus. And I know about Paul. But who are you?”Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on Sceva’s sons. He overpowered them all. He gave them a terrible beating. They ran out of the house naked and bleeding.
Gehazi went on ahead. He laid Elisha’s walking stick on the boy’s face. But there wasn’t any sound. The boy didn’t move at all. So Gehazi went back to Elisha. He told him,“ The boy hasn’t awakened.”
The 72 returned with joy. They said,“ Lord, even the demons obey us when we speak in your name.”Jesus replied,“ I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.I have given you authority to walk all over snakes and scorpions. You will be able to destroy all the power of the enemy. Nothing will harm you.
He replied,“ Because your faith is much too small. What I’m about to tell you is true. If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, it is enough. You can say to this mountain,‘ Move from here to there.’ And it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
