"And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but is coming to an end" (Mark 3:26).
Well, that is just exactly what happens, isn't it? After the devil arranges to destroy Jesus to death, he finds in the end that he has brought about the end of both himself and death. Christ dangled on the cross like a worm on a fishhook, and the devil and death took the bait.
"But no one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. Then indeed he may plunder his house" (Mark 3:27).
Reminded me of this quote by CFW Walther (HT: David Juhl):
This battle [of the Temptations between Jesus and Satan in the wilderness] was the first engagement touched off by the Lord of our salvation, in order to tread down Satan under our feet. It was the first defeat of the infernal host to show them that now a Stronger one had come. Scarcely had Christ begun His ministry when immediately He attacked Satan. He did not leave the field until He had won the last engagement for us on the cross and could cry out, “It is finished!” (emphasis added)
No comments:
Post a Comment