What Does Jesus Say About Mediums?

Many people wonder what Jesus had to say about mediums. Jesus never actually said anything directly about mediums. Instead, Jesus repeatedly encouraged people to go directly to God with their needs. Jesus also believed in the Old Testament scriptures, which clearly state that God does not want His people to consult with mediums.

History

Jesus never said anything specifically about either mediums or spiritists. However, Jesus believed in the Holy Scriptures from the Old Testament, so we can infer that Jesus' position on mediums would be consistent with what the Bible has to say about mediums and spiritists in the Old Testament. The Bible is clear that God does not like people contacting the "spirits of the dead" and provides some insight into why.

Identification

In the Bible, the word "mediums" is frequently used interchangeably with the word "spiritists." (Leviticus 19:31) The Bible identifies both mediums and spiritists as people who consult the dead. (Deuteronomy 18:11) People generally consulted the dead to inquire about the future or to obtain guidance about how to proceed in a particular situation. The Bible provides an example of King Saul contacting the spirit of the prophet Samuel for guidance through a medium in I Samuel 28.

Significance

The Bible states in numerous places that God's people should not consult with mediums. Under the Old Testament laws, mediums were to be put to death by stoning. (Leviticus 20:27) The Bible labels consulting with mediums as "detestable" and puts the behavior on the same level as worshiping idols. (II Kings 23:24) In 2 Chronicles 33:6, the Bible labels consulting with mediums as "evil" and puts the behavior on the same level as sacrificing sons in a fire.

Considerations

The Bible provides insight into why the Bible speaks out so harshly against consulting mediums in Isaiah 8:19: "When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?" Because Jesus said that God knows what we need before we ask Him, it is implied that we should ask God for what we need, not a third party medium. (Luke 11:9)

Prevention/Solution

Rather than consult the dead for guidance in our lives, Jesus has sent us the Holy Spirit to be our counselor for making decisions about our lives. (John 14:15-17) God can give us the "Spirit of wisdom and revelation" Himself, so we need not consult a medium in order to have wisdom and revelation about our lives. (Ephesians 1:17) Wisdom and knowledge are two of the spiritual gifts. (I Corinthians 12:7-10) We can find our answers through interacting with God directly rather than by consulting with mediums.

Resources

• King Saul contacts a medium