How the Cross Became the Trojan Horse of Hell

The article was adapted from this sermon.

Pride blinded Satan—and that pride led him straight into God’s plan.

What he thought was his greatest moment of triumph turned out to be his ultimate defeat. In crucifying the Son of God, he wasn’t stopping the Messiah—he was placing his own head under the foot of the King who came to crush him.

Here’s how the divine reversal unfolded.

The Fall That Started It All

In Isaiah 14:12–15 and Ezekiel 28:11–19, we see the origin of Satan’s rebellion. He was once a glorious being, but he wanted more.

“How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low! You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high…’” — Isaiah 14:12–13

Satan wasn’t content with the glory he was given. He wanted the throne. For that, he was cast down—judged and removed from God’s presence. But his ambition didn’t die. His next target was the One sent to destroy him.

The Temptation and the Trap

Centuries later, Satan confronted Jesus in the wilderness. He offered Him what he had always craved—authority over the kingdoms of the world.

“All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” — Matthew 4:9

Jesus didn’t take the bait. He chose obedience over glory. So Satan changed his strategy: If I can’t rule through Him, I’ll ruin Him.

The King Crucified

Satan orchestrated what he believed would be the final humiliation: the arrest, mock trial, and brutal execution of the Son of God. He watched as Jesus was mocked, beaten, and crucified.

“He was despised and rejected by men… pierced for our transgressions; crushed for our iniquities…” — Isaiah 53:3–5

To Satan, this was the ultimate victory. The Messiah was dead. Heaven was silent. Hell was cheering. But Satan misunderstood the cross.

The Cross Was a Throne in Disguise

Just before His death, Jesus revealed the truth:

“Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out.” — John 12:31

The cross didn’t condemn Jesus—it condemned Satan.

“He canceled the record of debt… disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame.” — Colossians 2:14–15

Satan’s weapon was guilt and accusation. But Jesus paid the full debt. The enemy’s power was broken.

The Great Reversal

Satan exalted himself—and was cast down.Jesus humbled Himself—and was lifted up.

“He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death… therefore God highly exalted him.” — Philippians 2:8–9

This is the pattern of the kingdom: the proud fall, the humble rise.

Satan’s Plan Backfires

Paul writes:

“If the rulers had understood, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” — 1 Corinthians 2:8

What Satan thought was checkmate was actually a divine setup. Christ descended into death and declared victory even in the grave.

“He also descended into the lower regions… He went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison.” — Ephesians 4:9, 1 Peter 3:19

“I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.” — Revelation 1:18

He took the keys. He broke the chains. Death was defeated.

The Church on the Offensive

Jesus’ resurrection wasn’t just a return to life—it was a declaration of war.

“I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” — Matthew 16:18

Gates are defensive, not offensive. And they can’t hold. The Church isn’t hiding—it’s advancing. And Christ is leading the charge.

The Trojan Horse of Hell

To Satan, the cross looked like weakness.It looked like failure.It looked like the end.

But it was the very means of his destruction.

What he used to try and kill the Messiah became the weapon that shattered his power.

Christ reigns. Hell has no defense. The Church marches on.