³⁰ “I will not speak much more with you, for the ruler of the world is coming, and he has nothing in Me … “

Jesus is absolutely pure of all evil, and gives no quarter to Satan. Jesus is connected to the Father, the God of Israel. To those who rejected Him, He asserted, “You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44).

Satan had already begun his work in Judas Iscariot (John 13:2), and was about to finish his work through Judas (John 18:3-5). And when he was finished with Judas, the unfortunate pawn went and killed himself (Matt 27:3-10). This erring disciple represents the epitome of Satan’s attempts in humans (the Creator’s image bearers) to rob God of His glory. Extreme Calvinists might say Satan was predestined by God Himself to do those things. But, Jesus here disavows any thought that God’s purposes may have intentionally included Satan. “He has nothing in Me,” said the Master. The mystery of Satan’s existence in a perfect creation is not resolved with extreme predestination theology.

Jesus is not fleeing, that is leaving, because Satan is coming into the world. But what they could not fully understand then in the Upper Room is that Satan would be an instrumental cause of Jesus’ leaving. The ultimate cause, of course, is Jesus’ ascension to God in full glorification, His work being completed. But like a celestial Grand Master, the God who is supreme over all, used the best hand Satan could play to bring him into checkmate. It would be supremely minimizing God to say He outwitted Satan, the match was not even close. Satan was playing on a limited dimensional platform, whereas the God of infinity plays on an eternally multi-dimensional platform. Not in the same league at all.

Is it any wonder that Paul wrote: “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. (2 Co 10:3–4).

So for a time, the ruler of the world (as Satan is referred to here) will have free reign, just enough rope to hang himself (interestingly pictured in Judas’ suicide). His ultimate destiny? “Now judgment is upon this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out” (John 12:31). But, if he is cast out, how can he still be actively influencing people now? One thing is certain, the victory is already complete. Whatever he is doing now, it is a losing battle for him.

Lord, thank You for Your victory over the deceiver, the ruler of this world.