them and made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross (Colossians 2:15). What precise form this cosmic battle took is not explained. But we do know that Jesus resisted the temptation to avoid the cross, and instead became obedient to it; that, when provoked by insults and tortures, he absolutely refused to retaliate, thus overcoming evil with good (Romans 12:21); and that, when the combined forces of Jerusalem and Rome were arrayed against him, he declined any resort to worldly