Gospel of Matthew: Why Jesus' Exorcisms Were Unique

Matthew 8:28-34

I have always loved the fact that Jesus is shown several times healing people simply with the power of his word, as we saw with the centurion's slave. But this equal power is shown in exorcisms, something that had escaped me entirely until I read this commentary. Of course. Jesus' own authority is enough.

Medieval illumination of Jesus exorcizing the Gerasene demoniac from the Ottheinrich Folio

Jesus was not the only exorcist in the ancient Near east (see 12:27), but the way he performed exorcisms was unique. First, other people claiming to expel demons used material instruments such as incense, medicines, rings, wood chips, olive branches, or bowls of water. Some played music or made special sounds. Jesus, however, does not rely on any device or special technique. He simply drives out demons by his command (8:32; 17:18; Mark 1:25; Luke 4:35; 8:29). Second, while other exorcists sometimes said prayers, Jesus never prays during an exorcism. He relies instead on his own power, which he associates with the Spirit of God (see 12:28). Third, other exorcists might invoke a higher authority or a powerful name, such as the name of Solomon, who in Jewish tradition was known for his exorcisms. Jesus, however, never expels demons by calling on on another name, not Solomon's or even God's. Jesus drives out demons by his own word and by his own authority.

Quote is from Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture: The Gospel of Matthew by Curtis Mitch and Edward Sri. This series first ran in 2008. I'm refreshing it as I go.