The Conquest
Much of Jesus early life is not revealed in the Bible. But we do know that whatever he had done during that time, it was enough to gain the Father’s unconditional approval, even before he began his ministry:
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’"
- Matthew 3:16-17
By means of his ministry of successfully revealing the Fatherhood of God, the brotherhood of man, and man’s foreordained heavenly destiny, Jesus defeated the Devil’s plan and conquered him along with his cohorts and accomplices:
“The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.”
– Luke 10:17-19
“I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me.”
– John 14:30
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
– John 16:33
After his resurrection, Jesus present himself to the Father to report his victory, and he was given even greater authority than he had before he came to earth:
“In your relationships with one another, have the same mind-set as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
– Philippians 2:5-11
This event was prophesied by the prophet Daniel who had been given a vision of this coming encounter:
“In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.”
– Daniel 7:13-14
In spite of all the Devil’s machinations and generations-long antics, Jesus prevailed. The sacred secret was out! Man no longer had to suffer under the chaotic rulership of a mentally diseased and power hungry potentate. He was free. He was given the freedom of the sons of God! And by reason of Jesus’ faithfulness, the Ancient of Days granted him an everlasting rulership and a kingdom that would never be destroyed.
When Jesus returned to earth after appearing before the Ancient of Days, he told his followers:
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
– Matthew 28:18-20
Jesus had begun ruling as king and now he entreated those who love him to spread his glorious message of victory and salvation to the whole world so that the peace of God and the glorious future that was ‘foreordained from the founding of the world’ could be realized.
