Day 23

Crucifixion was so hideous, so inhumane, and vile that the words “crucify” (σταυρόω) and “cross” (σταυρός) were not considered appropriate in polite speech in Greek and Roman culture. Crucifixion was reserved for the scum of society who were considered a threat to the government. Jesus endured this hideous death. But what Satan had intended for the humiliation of God, Jesus turned into the humiliation of Satan and his demonic allies. He made a public spectacle of them. He turned their torture stick of shame into an altar of grace and glory. He transformed the gory fury of hell into a sacrifice of forgiveness for us. While we deplore the unspeakable sacrifice and shame that Jesus bore on the cross for us, we also rejoice that the evil one and his hoards of hate were broken. Their apparent victory is turned into their defeat. What was supposed to be God’s greatest shame becomes his most lavish demonstration of grace, which ransoms us from Satan’s grasp. “And having disarmed the powers and authorities, [Jesus] made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” Colossians 2:15