In the natural realm, there are different types of predators. Pursuit predators stalk and chase their pray in hopes of wearing them down. They strike with a combination of endurance and speed in the chase. There are also ambush predators. These are those who chase to capture prey using sheer speed or endurance, ambush predators avoid fatigue by staying in concealment, waiting patiently for the prey to get near, before launching a sudden overwhelming attack that quickly incapacitates and captures the prey.

In a significant way, Jesus was an ambush predator.

1 Corinthians 2:8

Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

Jesus knew that because of the consuming hatred and pride of the devil, he would jump at the chance to have the Son of God tortured and killed. His eyes were blinded and Satan hurled headlong into the murder of Jesus. This is much the same as when an ambush predator uses an irresistible bait to lure their pray in for the kill. The victim’s instinct and its nature cause it to bypass reason and take the bait.

But what Satan failed to realize was that the One he thought was the victim was in fact also the victor! The very moment when Christ gave up His spirit, the adversary went form celebration to terror as his head was crushed by Christ on the cross. At the moment of what he thought was his greatest victory, he stepped into the trap the Father had laid before him and was defeated!

Colossians 2:15

And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

Rather than being defeated in death, Christ took the keys of death and the grave and will bring the souls of the redeemed home to His Father in Heaven!

Praise God for sending His Son, the ambush predator who rescued our souls from bondage to sin and Satan!