The Real Enemy

By: JK Woodall, Ph.D.

To all My Fellow Saints in Jesus Christ,

“For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.” — Luke 9:56

Throughout the Scriptures, humanity has often misidentified its true enemy. We see this misunderstanding reflected in the hearts of individuals, communities, and even nations. But as we examine the life and mission of Jesus Christ, it becomes abundantly clear: the real enemy is not a political power or external oppressor, but the pervasive forces of sin and death that separate humanity from God.

The Lesson of Exodus 2

In Exodus 2:11-14, Moses, sensing his divine call to deliver his people, kills an Egyptian who is beating a Hebrew. The next day, when Moses confronts two Israelites fighting, they reject him, saying:

“Who made you ruler and judge over us? Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the Egyptian?” (Exodus 2:14)

Here we see fear and rejection. The Israelites were not ready to recognize Moses as their deliverer. His act of physical deliverance—killing the Egyptian—only deepened their confusion and fear. Moses’ approach pointed to a truth humanity has struggled to grasp: salvation cannot be brought about through external force alone. The hearts of the people must first be prepared.

John the Baptist and the Messiah’s Mission

This same tension arises in the New Testament. In Matthew 11:2-3, John the Baptist, imprisoned and awaiting what he assumed would be the Messiah’s triumphant overthrow of Israel’s enemies, sent his disciples to ask Jesus:

“Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”

John, like many in Israel, expected a Messiah who would destroy their Roman oppressors and establish a visible kingdom of power. But Jesus’ mission was far greater. He responded by pointing to His works:

“Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.” (Matthew 11:4-6)

Jesus’ response made it clear: He came not to destroy earthly enemies but to heal, restore, and proclaim the Kingdom of God. His mission was to address the root cause of humanity’s suffering—sin and death—through His sacrifice on the cross.

Identifying the Real Enemy

The Israelites in Exodus 2 feared Moses, just as many feared Jesus. They misidentified their savior as a threat because they did not understand their true enemy. If Jesus had come in judgment, as John and others expected, humanity would have faced immediate condemnation. Instead, Jesus offered salvation:

1. Sin — The rebellion that separates humanity from God. Jesus came to bear the penalty of sin, offering forgiveness and reconciliation through His blood (Romans 3:23-25).

2. Death — The consequence of sin and the great enemy of humanity. Through His resurrection, Jesus defeated death and promised eternal life to all who believe (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).

These are the true enemies that enslave and oppress. Political powers and earthly kingdoms pale in comparison to the bondage of sin and the finality of death. Jesus’ mission was to liberate humanity from these ultimate foes, not through force, but through grace, truth, and sacrifice.

A Savior Who Saves, Not Destroys

The contrast between the Israelites’ reaction to Moses and John the Baptist’s question about Jesus reveals a profound truth: fear and misunderstanding often lead to rejection of the Savior. If Jesus had come as a conquering king, destroying Rome and other perceived enemies, many would have responded with fear rather than faith. They, like the Israelites in Moses’ time, were not yet ready to receive the salvation God offered.

Jesus’ first coming was not about judgment but salvation. As He Himself declared:

“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” (John 3:17)

This salvation required humility and a cross. It required Jesus to endure rejection, suffering, and death so that humanity could be reconciled to God.

The Lesson for Today

As Saints, we must recognize the real enemy. It is not the challenges we face in the world—be they political, social, or personal—but the sin that seeks to corrupt and the death that seeks to claim. Like John the Baptist, we may sometimes question God’s methods, expecting immediate deliverance from our circumstances. But Jesus reminds us that His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Let us not stumble over the Savior’s approach. Instead, let us trust in His perfect plan and proclaim the good news that Jesus has already defeated the real enemy. Through His cross and resurrection, we have victory over sin and death and the promise of eternal life.

To Him be all glory, honor, and praise!