Book of Matthew - Chapter 17 - Verse 18

In this verse from the Bible, Matthew 17:18, we see Jesus rebuking a devil that had possessed a child. The act of rebuking the devil signifies Jesus's authority over evil forces and his ability to drive them out. By rebuking the devil, Jesus demonstrates his power to heal and deliver individuals from spiritual oppression. The devil departing out of the child symbolizes the evil spirit leaving the child's body, restoring the child to health and wholeness. This miraculous healing emphasizes Jesus's compassion and his desire to bring restoration and freedom to those who are suffering. The child being cured from that very hour signifies the immediate and complete healing that took place as a result of Jesus's intervention. This verse serves as a powerful example of Jesus's ability to overcome darkness and bring light and healing into the lives of those who seek him.

In this verse, the actions of Jesus are significant from a theological perspective. Jesus rebuked the devil, showing his authority over evil forces. This act of rebuke demonstrates Jesus' power and ability to cast out demons, illustrating his divine nature and his role as the Son of God. The departure of the devil from the possessed child signifies the victory of good over evil through the intervention of Jesus. The child's immediate cure showcases the instantaneous healing power of Jesus, emphasizing his miraculous abilities and compassion for those in need.

From a word study perspective, the term "rebuked" in this verse comes from the Greek word "epitimao," which means to censure or warn sternly. This word indicates the strong and authoritative nature of Jesus' response to the devil's presence within the possessed child. The devil's departure is associated with the word "exerchomai" in Greek, which means to come or go out. This word highlights the devil's forced removal from the child in response to Jesus' rebuke, emphasizing the immediate result of Jesus' intervention in the situation.