From the very beginning of Jesus’ ministry, it becomes apparent that there is a spiritual battle that is taking place. His presence threatens the powers and principalities that desire to control and destroy. Jesus confronts these powers directly and forcefully. Each time demonstrating that whatever control they possess is temporary and vulnerable. Those who follow Jesus engage in the same spiritual battle. To not acknowledge this reality is naïve and dangerous. But we follow the One who has defeated evil once and for all and empowers us to live free from its destructive control.