November 7, 2014
IF CHRIST BEAT SATAN AS A LITTLE BABY, HE WILL CERTAINLY DEFEAT HIM AS A MAN.
Revelation 12:1–6
Nika Spaulding
Central Truth
Satan attempted to defeat Christ in His first coming as a babe. However, he was unsuccessful. Consequently, we should recognize our great hope and assurance that Christ will be ultimately victorious in His Second Coming as well.
Key Verse | Revelation 12:5
She gave birth to a male child, one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron . . . . (Revelation 12:5)
Revelation 12:1–6
The Woman and the Dragon
1 And a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. 2 She was pregnant and was crying out in birth pains and the agony of giving birth. 3 And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven diadems. 4 His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven and cast them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she bore her child he might devour it. 5 She gave birth to a male child, one who is to rule 1 12:5 Greek shepherd all the nations with a rod of iron, but her child was caught up to God and to his throne, 6 and the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, in which she is to be nourished for 1,260 days.
Dive Deeper | Revelation 12:1–6
Here is our passage in laymen's terms: The woman (Israel) gave birth to a son (Jesus). The dragon (Satan) had an attitude problem and attempted to destroy the son (Jesus). Instead, the son (Jesus) was snatched away and taken up to heaven where the dragon (Satan) could not harm him. So now the dragon (Satan) has turned his attention to the woman (Israel) and will attempt to destroy her.
Reading through this passage easily creates a few "huhs" or "say what nows?" These six verses, however, aim to set the stage for what will unfold in the rest of Revelation. John, the author of Revelation, informs the reader that Satan attempted to thwart the plans of God by destroying Christ in His first coming. But Christ ascended to heaven where Satan lacks access and dominion (Acts 1:9). In other words, Satan failed to destroy Christ when He came as a baby.
Do not miss the striking imagery. A dragon, capable of hurling a third of the stars to the earth and crowned with horns and mini-heads, failed to destroy a pregnant woman and her babe. Why? Because no matter how big and bad Satan may be, Jesus wins. Always. Christ won in His first coming as a lowly baby, and He will win again in His Second Coming when He returns with a sword to finish off the dragon once and for all.
What does that mean for us? We win, too, if we trust in Christ. So the next time the dragon stalks around hoping to devour you (which is every day in case you were wondering), rest in the knowledge of Christ's ultimate victory over our foe. Satan failed to destroy Christ when He came as a helpless babe. I like our chances when Christ comes back on His horse wielding a sword.
Discussion Questions
1. When are the times in your life that you feel defeated? How can this passage in Revelation encourage you to recognize your victory in Christ?
2. What does this passage reveal about God's sovereignty in bringing all of His plans to life despite an adversary? Do you trust God is fully in control of your future?
3. How does this passage inform your view of Satan? How can you take his presence more seriously in the world around you? What can your community do to help you guard against the schemes of the enemy? (Read Ephesians 6:11.)