31 Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. 32 But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself."33 He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.
Evil atoned for, Satan a defeated foe, salvation offered - this is the message of the cross. Jesus clearly speaks here with a divine exultation and triumph. The dark order of things which had prevailed in the world since the fall of man would now be spoiled. The world would no longer be left subjected to Satan and the powers of darkness alone. More than likely we have an inadequate perspective of the perverseness which prevailed at the time of Jesus’ advent – the extreme extent to which Satan had carried out his dominion over men’s souls. Demonic possession, idolatry, child sacrifices and myriads of other perversions dominated the landscape. The godless order of things would be tolerated no longer. Christ died for a world without God and without hope – a world plunged in idolatry, worshipping devils – and choosing open rebellion. Christ made an end to this unrestrained reign by His death on the cross. The head of the serpent was now bruised. Jesus disarmed the power of Satan by the cross. The believer in Christ no longer has to be held in bondage – He came to set the captive free. Therefore, we must not choose to remain in slavery rather through His power we are to break free from the chains which blind and bind us – yoking ourselves to Christ rather than sin:
1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Gal 5:1 (NIV)
“The devil kept possession of mankind, holding men as criminals bound over to punishment by the handwriting of their sins, having dominion in the hearts of the unbelieving, dragging them, deceived and captive, to the worship of the creature, for which they had deserted the Creator. But by the faith of Christ, confirmed by His death and resurrection, through His blood shed for the remission of sins, thousands of believing persons obtain deliverance from the dominion of the devil, are joined to the body of Christ, and quickened by His Spirit, as faithful members under so great a Head. This is was that He called judgment.” Augustine
I am reminded of Paul’s words to the brothers in Christ at Colosse:
21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation-- 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant. Col 1:21-23 (NIV)
Paul writes in the next chapter the following:
13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. 15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. Col 2:13-15 (NIV)
The death of Christ on the cross had and continues to have a drawing effect on all mankind – Gentiles as well as Jews. His death as our substitute and sacrifice for our sins draws multitudes to Himself from every tribe and people and nation to believe on Him and receive Him as Savior. This has proved true – whenever the powerful story of the cross is told, souls are converted and drawn to Jesus in all parts of the world:
17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel--not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. 1 Cor 1:17 (NIV)
“Brilliantly persuasive eloquence may win a person’s mind but not his heart, whereas the unadorned words of the gospel, though seemingly foolish by human standards, are made effective by the Spirit of God.” Bible Knowledge Commentary
Jesus’ atoning work on the cross perfectly fills the need of all peoples. I am reminded of the words found in Joel which are also repeated by Paul as well in Romans:
32 And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved; Joel 2:32 (NIV)
“My case is urgent, and I do not see how I am to be delivered; but this is no business of mine. He who makes the promise will find ways and means of keeping it. It is mine to obey His commands; it is not mine to direct His counsels. I am His servant, not His solicitor. I call upon Him, and He will deliver.” C. H. Spurgeon
11 As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile--the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10:11-13 (NIV)