When one thinks about Calvary, surely Satan is not the figure which comes to mind. Yet, if we step back and consider the happenings of that day, we will see that Satan was not only lurking in the shadows, but running rampant.

How does Satan affect Calvary? To begin with, we must go back to Eden (Genesis 3:1-5). A world of perfection had the vilest disease known to man released, and once it started, no man could produce a cure. Eve employed the free will given her in a terrible way. Satan helped as best he could by enticing. Without Satan’s work in the garden, no need would exist for Christ’s work on the cross.

It is interesting to think of Satan’s involvement at Calvary, and in the days leading up to it. Satan put it in the heart of Judas to betray Jesus. Satan, working through the Sanhedrin, won the trial against the Son of God. He worked through the Jews to sway the people concerning Jesus. He enjoyed each lash given, each word of mockery, each strike of hammer and nail. How sweet the victory! How glorious the triumph!

Soon, sweet victory turned into bitter and complete defeat. Satan desired to destroy the Son of God, and he thought that he had, but he soon learned different. “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” (1 Corinthians 15:55). Satan employed his greatest weapon, yet death would not be victorious over Jesus. Because He gained the victory, so can those who obey Him (1 Corinthians 15:56)!

Kyle Campbell