Only Jesus Overcomes Evil

There’s no shortage of news stories to tell us that evil exists in the world. And you don’t have to be a follower of Jesus for very long before you come up against spiritual opposition. In the face of the powers of darkness, we can wonder if God truly has the victory.

Yet Jesus declared to his disciples that he would build his church and that all the powers of hell would not prevail against it. It’s easy to assume that Jesus said this while he was by a synagogue in Galilee or somewhere in the vicinity of the Temple of Jerusalem - places that represented God’s presence and power in the world. But Jesus was in the region of Caesarea Philippi, a hotspot of pagan worship. Near the city stood the religious precinct, with a significant sanctuary to the Greek god Pan, a temple to Augustus Caesar and a number of other altars and shrines. It was a stronghold of well established idolatry and spiritual darkness. Yet it is here that Jesus proclaims the victory of his church. Around 2000 years later, it is not Pan or the Caesars who are proclaimed ‘Lord’, but Jesus Christ, who is worshiped by billions of people around the world.

Jesus isn’t intimidated by the evil in the world. He isn’t overwhelmed by the powers of darkness. He won the victory over them through the cross and resurrection. And now we too can walk in that victory. So do not be afraid, do not be dismayed. Take courage for he has overcome.

Reflection Questions:

• When have you felt like you were experiencing spiritual opposition in your life?
• How does Jesus’ claim of victory encourage you in your battles today?