“The prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.” John 14:30.
Make no mistake about it. Jesus is talking about a defeated foe. In the previous verses, Jesus has talked to the disciples about the peace and comfort the Holy Spirit brings. The promise of the Holy Spirit looks to the future and what God will do for His children. Satan has fallen from his position of power. The moment Jesus began His ministry, Satan had lost. He found no toehold in the character of Jesus.
You can mark the point where Satan knew his defeat. When Jesus came out of the water of baptism, the voice of God acknowledged Him as Son. The Holy Spirit descended on Him. From that time forward the Victor had taken control.
Not only do the wilderness temptations show how Jesus triumphed where humanity failed, but they also show Jesus as Victor over the devil. True, he will lie in ambush to menace Jesus. During His Passion, the evil one sought His destruction. But, from the moment of His baptism, the battle was joined, and victory had gone to Christ.
The cross led to the Resurrection. Satan could not hold Jesus in the tomb. He arose victorious.
Before the sun rises in different parts of the world, the sky may take on extraordinary beauty. Brilliant shafts of blue and pink fan from the hidden orb and fill the heavens. The display lasts a few minutes and then vanishes as the sun emerges.
From the Resurrection, shafts of light fan with hope across the sky of faith. The Sun of righteousness has risen and brought life to all.
In the Word pictures of the Bible, Satan rules in darkness. But darkness flees the rising Sun. The Word calls Jesus the Light of the world. The Gospel declares that Jesus has brought light to all nations and dispelled darkness. The devil cannot abide the Light that lightens everyone who comes into the world.
Just as darkness cannot live with light, so Satan loses control when the Light enters. His defeat is known and published through the lives we live in the power of Jesus Christ. The tyranny is broken. Jesus lives. Jesus rules.
My dear Southern Union Constituent, the devil may approach you with temptation. He comes with discouragement. He comes with accusations. He comes with fear, doubt, and despair. But because Christ lives in the believer, the enemy cannot ultimately claim us. Oh, he may fight you. He may wound you. He may trouble your mind. But he does not own you. That’s why the child of God can stand in confidence — not because we are perfect, but because we belong to the One in whom Satan had nothing.
Here is some great news. The same Jesus who faced the prince of this world and overcame him, now gives power to His people.
So don’t be afraid of the battle. Don’t be intimidated by Satan’s attacks. Don’t lose heart because darkness seems loud. Jesus has already won, and Satan has lost control. –RCS
Southern Union | July 2026
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