“Don’t be afraid.” 

That’s easier to say than it is to live. 

Generally speaking, people need a reason to be unafraid. For example, if I’m an 8-year old and I see a bully on the playground, I might be afraid. But if I then see my big brother come onto the playground—who just so happens to be bigger than the bully—then I might become less afraid. Why? Because I have a REASON to change my thinking.

Here’s how this connects to your faith.

Colossians 2:15 is a verse which gives us piercing insight into the spiritual realm. Referring to what Jesus accomplished on the cross, it says this about God: “He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.”

Let’s note a few critical details. 

First, we learn that “rulers and authorities” were disarmed. These are actually demonic forces. That’s how Paul uses those terms elsewhere—like in Ephesians 6:12 when he is teaching about spiritual warfare.

Second, the mention of “triumph” is key. Jon Thompson explains: “The term triumph wasn’t just a word for victory; it referred to the elaborate practice of marching the defeated enemies in a grand procession through the streets of Rome as the crowds jeered them and cheered the victorious general and his armies.”*

In other words, what looked like Jesus’ humiliation at the hands of evil men and forces, was actually his triumph over those same evil men and forces. The cross was mockery of the demonic realm.

Jesus’ victory is Satan’s defeat.

I know, I know. This is a big topic. I’m not sure how much you’ve thought about it before. But one thing’s for sure. If ever there was a reason to not be afraid, this is it! There isn’t a single dark power in the world which doesn’t tremble at the name of Jesus. 

If you are in him, there is nothing to fear. The spiritual forces of evil have received the fatal blow. They stagger around with what little energy they have left. But their time is limited. They may try to intimidate you, call you names, and throw you off track. But they have no lasting power.

You are a child of God. You belong to King Jesus. You are loved. God’s Spirit dwells within you. You are the hands and feet of Christ.

Jesus’ victory is Satan’s defeat.

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Notes and extra content:

—“Mesus, McJesus and the Rise of Fear.” Sermon. May 12, 2024. Click here.

–*Jon Thompson, Deliverance (Ajax: Sanctus Church, 2021), 91.