In this passage we have fresh clues to the mission of the Lord Jesus Christ. The salvation-work of Jesus was completed on the cross and assured at the resurrection. Soon after, He returned to heaven where His mission continues. He is building His kingdom, His church, and not even death or hell can prevent Him (Matthew 16:18). In the process, Jesus is in direct and masterly opposition to every authority which defies His kingdom.
 
Jesus is no longer dealing with the sins of the world; that was settled at Calvary. Now He is intent on bringing every wicked spiritual power to submit to Him (Ephesians 1:18-23). It is a battle which will involve us too. These unseen evil beings under Satan's command terrorise the world and the church. They want to disrupt the work of evangelism and discipleship, desperately hoping that believers will fall away or compromise and so dishonour their Lord. Our spiritual battle is not with wicked people but with their unseen evil spiritual mentors (Ephesians 6:12). So it is a great encouragement to know that Jesus is not just the Captain of our Salvation (Hebrews 2:10) but also the Lord of Glory (1 Corinthians 2:8). One day every being, seen and unseen will acknowledge that He is Lord over all (Philippians 2:9-11).
 
When death itself, the ultimate consequence of all evil activity, has been destroyed, Jesus will present the Kingdom to Father God. Until then He is appointed as head over everything. His essential victory over Satan's evil mastery was shown in rising from the dead, but Satan and his minions are furious because they know their time is short (Revelation 12:12) … so every day presents some new battle for the people in Christ's kingdom. But when He comes again there will be peace; the conflict with evil will be over. Then God the Son will hand over the kingdom, His incorruptible Bride, to God the Father and give all the glory to Him.
 
Whatever battle you face now, Jesus is there to command you, and all opposition, to submit to His authority. Even apparent defeats or delays will eventually be shown to be His masterstroke of strategy in bringing His enemies to their knees. The resurrection assures us of all this. It not only promises that we belong to Him and will receive a new body one day, but also gives us the confidence that as we battle with evil on earth, Jesus is being powerfully active in the heavenly places (Ephesians 3:10). We are not alone. Jesus will win the victory. All we have to do is to be strong in the Lord and let His mighty power do all that we cannot, while we act obediently under His command.