There are times when everything seems chaotic. Problems everywhere—not only in the world generally, but in your life specifically. Pain, confusion, hardship. It’s pandemonium. 

The word “pandemonium” literally means “demons everywhere.” That’s very fitting, isn’t it?

That must have been what the disciples felt like during Jesus’ trial, torture and crucifixion. Demons everywhere!

That’s why it can be helpful to step back, zoom out, and see the bigger picture.

When we look at that bigger picture we find some incredible things:

a) Jesus knew and predicted it would happen. Mark 10:34 specifies that they “will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later he will rise.”

b) He knew he would be abandoned (Mark 14:29-30, 72).

c) He knew he was giving his life for others (Mark 10:45).

d) He fulfilled specific ancient prophecies and Scriptures such as these: That he would be initially silent before his accusers; that he would be mocked and spat upon; that he would be killed alongside criminals; that his clothes would be divided; and that they would pierce his hands and feet. 

Many of these details were foretold in biblical books written 700 or 1000 years before he walked the earth.

Plus, when he identified as the Son of Man in his trial (Mark 14:61-62) he was showing that he wasn’t just an earthly Messiah, but our divine Lord (see Daniel 7:13-14).

At the time, his torture and crucifixion must have seemed horrific—demons everywhere. It was, and there were. 

But there weren’t only demons. When we take a step back, we see that everything was happening according to plan. God’s plan. Bad was turned into good. Darkness was turned into light. Damnation was turned into salvation. 

When it seems like there are demons everywhere, remember that with God more is happening than what first meets the eye. 

We worship and serve the same God who worked through that bloody cross 2000 years ago. With the risen Christ, all things are actually possible.

God is in control—even when you are not.

Notes and extra content:

-“Pandemonium and God’s Plan in the Blood of Good Friday.” Sermon. April 18, 2025. Click here.

-“The King has one more move.” Sermon. April 20, 2025. Click here.

-“Shouldn’t it be called Sad Friday?” Podcast and blog. Click here.

-Bible quotes are from the NIV.