Too many of us desire to experience “resurrection power” without having first visited the “cross.” The truth is, the empty tomb has no meaning without the cross. If we are to live the triumphant life, we must visit the cross daily! Colossians 2:15 says,“Having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” Because of His death on the cross, and then His resurrection and ascension, the Lord Jesus has conquered all evil powers, making a public spectacle of them and triumphing over them by the cross. The cross was the ‘instrument’ of their defeat. By it, Jesus gained total victory!
Upon a great Roman conquest the defeated army would be disarmed and paraded throughout Rome for all to see. The Romans did this to show that the enemy was no longer a threat; that Rome was firmly in control. Likewise, Colossians 2:15 tells us there was a day just like that; a day when the Lord Jesus paraded Satan and his fallen angels - having triumphed over all the powers and authorities by the cross. Another translation says, “... He made a public spectacle of them as He celebrated His victory by the cross.” Because of the cross, they were humiliated and made a public spectacle. Note, this was done for our benefit! To show us that the enemy is no longer a threat.
