#satandisarmed — Lent — Founded on the Bible

Colossians 2:15 NLT (parenthesis added)

He (Jesus) disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.

Jesus totally disarmed the greatest enemy known to God and to mankind. Let’s deconstruct this passage in Colossians for today’s reflection.

Who was Jesus disarming?
According to Strong’s Concordance these terms are defined as:
Spiritual rulers- the leader in first place, the principality, ruler, magistracy of angels and demons (1).
Authorities- the power of rule or government (the power of him whose will and commands must be submitted to by others and obeyed) (2).

How did Satan and his demons become rulers?
Adam and Eve were our first parents, who represented all of mankind. They were children of God (position) and were blessed by God to rule (authority) everything in the earth. They disobeyed God and judgement was passed. Satan became the god of this world (position) and held the power (authority) to rule over all the people living in it. Every descendant of Adam and Eve are born in sin and live under the curse of sin because of this transaction.

How did Jesus disarm Satan and his rulers?
Jesus, the Son of God, was born a man and became the second Adam. Jesus now represented all of mankind. He took our place and suffered the penalty of our sins when He died on the cross. When Jesus rose from the dead, He conquered Satan's position as ruler over us. Satan could no longer decree the curse of sin to dominate over our lives or pass the judgement of sin which is eternal damnation. Once again, Jesus has authority to rule our lives, but only with our permission.

Jesus made a way for us to disarm Satan and his rulers
We must acknowledge Jesus is the Son of God, who suffered our penalty of sin and death. We must acknowledge that He rose from the grave to live forever. The moment we believe and verbally admit this truth, we enter into covenant with Jesus. When Jesus becomes our ruler, we rule with Him and inherit:

1) Position because we are children of God (John 1:12) and,
2) Authority because we are seated in the heavenly realm with Christ (Ephesians 2:6).

How did Jesus shame Satan and his leaders?
Satan used every arsenal to cause Jesus to sin. His body, soul, and spirit battled to resist temptation until the very end when He gave His life.

Just as Satan was unsuccessful in luring Jesus into temptation during His 40 day fast in the desert, he couldn't dissuade Jesus from carrying out His Father’s will. Can you imagine how attentive Satan must have been when he heard Jesus ask God why He had forsaken Him? (Crucified)

Throughout this entire ordeal, Jesus used the divine wisdom of the Word of God in response to every attack. This is His testimony of how He shamed and humiliated Satan and his followers. Wielding the Sword of the Spirit, Jesus disarmed and slew the heart of His enemies where it hurt the most, their pride. Jesus refused to worship him and kept His love and faith in His Father sending Satan and his cohorts reeling.

When Jesus bowed his head, His spirit left this earth and He descended into the depths of hell. As He entered every hideous realm, Satan and his wicked rulers were forced to bow down and declare Him "Lord". To their utter shame and defeat, they handed over the keys of authority they used to abuse humankind. It was 'the' public display of defeat in Satan's own territory.

Let’s pray:
Father, it humbles me when I meditate on the most famous battle ever fought, the battle between Jesus and Satan. Jesus disarmed Satan and his demons by understanding His position, using His authority, and speaking the wisdom of Your Word into every situation. Give me the grace to follow the example Jesus set for me. When the enemy attacks, I will disarm Satan and his demons by understanding my position as a child of God, using the authority You have given me in Jesus name, and speaking the wisdom of Your Word into every situation. Jesus, You are my Lord! I give You my life. You may do with me as You will. In Jesus Name, Amen.

References:
https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G746&t=NLT
https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G1849&t=NLT