Matthew's text addresses a teaching on unclean spirits, seemingly bringing together several discourses given by Jesus the Messiah on various occasions. The Gospels recount several episodes in which Jesus the Messiah casts demons out of people (Matthew 8.24-34, Mark 1.23-26, Mark 5.1-20, Luke 8.2 and Luke 4.41).
These acts, performed in public, seemed to be well received by those who witnessed these miraculous deliverances. Jesus the Messiah addresses these instances of deliverance and indicates that the demons are not annihilated and seek to return.
We may conclude that these people's condition improves temporarily, but later deteriorates when these demons return. This is what Matthew and Luke report as they quote the words of Jesus the Messiah.
Although the texts mentioned do not explicitly provide the conclusion or the course these people should follow, both follow naturally. It is therefore imperative that there should no longer be room to receive these demons, or that a stronger power should oppose their attempt to return.
Thus, deliverance alone, however spectacular, is not what matters most; the presence of this invisible power remains essential. What is at issue here is conversion.
Jesus the Messiah contrasts traditional religion, which merely maintains an appearance of purity, with true conversion. We may therefore conclude that the presence of the Holy Spirit in a person's life protects them from all evil influence.
Matthew concludes by declaring: 'So it will be with this evil generation.' These people have chosen to remain in unbelief, thus rejecting the plan of salvation offered by Jesus the Messiah. Consequently, they are described as wicked and do not enjoy the protection of the Holy Spirit.