Johan SlabbertPhoto: Marcus Woodbridge
Matthew 16:21 "From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised."
The Path to Victory
Jesus shocked his disciples when he began to explain the nature and scope of his mission. This was why they had to remain quiet until they had understood the complete mission. Jesus said: “I must go to Jerusalem,” “I must suffer,” “I must be killed,” and “I must be raised on the third day.” The disciples could agree with the idea of going to Jerusalem—surely the revolution would begin there! They envisioned Jesus overthrowing corrupt leaders, freeing Israel from Roman rule, and establishing a new kingdom. However, the idea of suffering, dying and rising from the dead was unfathomable.
Why was this Necessary?
The path Jesus described was not optional; it was essential. These are the reasons:
Divine Ordination: God ordained this mission as the only way to redemption. Only Jesus, who is both fully God and fully human, could accomplish this unique work.
Payment of His People’s Debt: Humanity had incurred an immense moral and spiritual debt against God—a debt so vast that only a perfect substitute could atone for it. This concept, known as substitutionary atonement, or penal substitution, meant Jesus would bear the punishment we deserve.
Fulfilment of Prophecy: The Old Testament prophets foretold the Messiah’s suffering, rejection, and ultimate victory. In fulfilling these prophecies, Jesus provided undeniable proof that he was the promised Saviour.
Victory Over Cosmic Forces: Jesus’ mission extended beyond human conflicts; it encompassed a cosmic conquest over all forces of darkness, principalities, and spiritual powers. This is why he made his proclamation near Caesarea Philippi and Mount Hermon, declaring his intent to defeat the forces of evil.
As this region was historically associated with spiritual opposition, Jesus’ mission would play out on an unimaginable, cosmic scale, far surpassing the confines of an earthly throne.
A Kingdom Won through the Cross
The scope of Jesus’ conquest was far greater than freeing Israel from Roman oppression; it was about securing victory over sin, death, and the forces of darkness. The cross was essential, the ultimate battleground in a cosmic conflict where Jesus triumphed through sacrifice.
Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness with an offer to rule over the kingdoms of the world, without the cross. But Jesus refused, knowing that true victory—eternal victory—required the cross. This selfless obedience led to his crowning as the Son of Man, receiving dominion from the Ancient of Days in the prophecy of Daniel:
"I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days… And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion." (Daniel 7:13-14).
This vision encapsulates the ultimate victory by Jesus—dominion over all creation, not through conquest with sword or shield, but through the cross.
The Accomplishment of the Cross
On the cross, Jesus bore the punishment for the sins of all who would believe throughout history. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:21:
“God made him who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
In those agonizing hours of darkness, Jesus, infinite in nature, absorbed the full weight of humanity’s sin. The atonement was complete, and the price of redemption was paid in full.
This is why the early apostles preached “Christ and him crucified”. They knew that the cross was the pivotal point of history, the victory that opened the way to salvation. Yet to the disciples at the time, Jesus’ death would appear to be the end of everything they had hoped for.
A Victory that Echoes throughout Eternity
But Jesus’ death was not the end. On the third day, he rose, claiming his victory over sin, death, and all the powers of darkness.
His resurrection is the guarantee of a kingdom that “shall not pass away” and will never be destroyed.
It is a victory that not only brings forgiveness but also heralds an eternal kingdom—one that no earthly power or spiritual force can conquer.
This cosmic conquest redefines what victory looks like. Jesus did not come to gain political power or temporary liberation. He came to free us from the tyranny of sin and death, to establish a kingdom where justice, peace, and love reign eternally. His triumph echoes through every generation, calling us to worship the King who conquered all by laying down his life.
Looking Ahead
In our exploration of the nature of the true church of Jesus Christ, we will examine how Jesus’ cosmic conquest affects everything from that time into eternity.
More will be revealed about the power and purpose of the church.
Call to Action
Reflect on your own understanding of why the death and suffering of Jesus were necessary.
Did Jesus’ death solve only the dilemma confronting humanity and the earth, or did it accomplish more?
Write down your thoughts and insights.