SATAN AND THE CROSS
Main Text: Matthew 16:23
Get behind me Satan! You are a stumbling block to me (NIV)
John 1:29 – The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.
When Peter objected to Jesus’ statement about going to Jerusalem to die, he unwillingly spoke for the devil. From the time John the Baptist declared Christ as the “Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the World (John 1:29)
Satan tried to keep our Lord from going to the cross knowing that going to the cross was victory for Jesus and defeat for him – Satan.
In the wilderness temptation, he (Satan) suggested that Jesus take the Kingdom of the world without the ordeal of the cross or going to Calvary.
He incited the Jewish leaders to hate Jesus Christ, in the hope that they might kill Him by stoning. When these attempts failed he- Satan switched tactics. He induced Peter to speak against God’s plan. He- Satan “entered” Judas in (John 13:27).
He prompted Peters denials of Jesus, the cowardice of the apostles, the brutality of the soldiers and the heartlessness of the mob. Through all these, he hoped to convince Jesus that mankind was not worth dying for.
Satan lost these battles, but continues to fight. He does all he can to hinder the spread of the gospel. He even uses religions that promote salvation by works and ritual.
Despite his efforts, thousands are being saved through faith in Jesus death, burial and resurrection.
THE CROSS AND THE EMPTY TOMB SPELT SATAN’S ULTIMATE DEFEAT.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, may we always look up to you and the cross for our redemption.
BY BISHOP NGOZI DURUEKE (HE REIGNS CHAPEL INTERNATIONAL) To send your testimony, write us: mylivingwaterdevotional@gmail.com.