Copyright © 2006 By Doug Lawrence. All Rights Reserved.
Catechism Of The Catholic Church Reprinted With Permission.
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You won't find the full account of this story in the Bible, but we know something
like it must have happened, because God's love and justice is the underlying
"bedrock" upon which the whole redemptive process rests. Here's what we do
know:
Hebrews 2:9 - 15 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels,
for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour: that, through the
grace of God he might taste death for all. For it became him for whom are all
things and by whom are all things, who had brought many children into glory, to
perfect the author of their salvation, by his passion.
For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one. For which
cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying: I will declare thy name to
my brethren: in the midst of the church will I praise thee. And again: I will put my
trust in him. And again: Behold I and my children, whom God hath given me.
Therefore because the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself
in like manner hath been partaker of the same: that, through death, he might
destroy him who had the empire of death, that is to say, the devil: And might
deliver them, who through the fear of death were all their lifetime subject to
servitude.
Imagine Jesus and Satan standing trial before God the Father. Satan exceeded
his authority and (brutally, sadistically) killed Jesus, an innocent (sinless) man,
who is also the Son of God. The facts are clear. Satan is guilty.
In matters of this type, justice requires that the "guilty" party (Satan) pay
compensation to the "damaged" party (Jesus).
What do you think would constitute appropriate compensation in
this case?
Of course! When he sinned, the "first" Adam gave dominion over the earth to
Satan. It's only fair then, for Satan, (who broke the same law Adam did) to pay a
similar penalty to Jesus, the "New Adam".
Satan's power over the earth was forfeit and he was left destitute. Roughly
translated, he would "eat dirt". (Genesis 3:14)
John 12:31 Now is the judgment of the world: now shall the prince of this world
(Satan) be cast out.
Dominion over the earth was awarded to "the man" Jesus. Roughly
translated, Satan's "head was crushed". (Genesis 3:15)
Matthew 28:18 And Jesus coming, spoke to them, saying: All power is given to
me in heaven and in earth.
Case closed!
Moments later, a Roman spear pierced Christ's lifeless body, and
a Holy Fountain of water and blood sprang forth.
Water, reminiscent of the cleansing of the world by Noah's flood
(and our own baptism).
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