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Luke 10:17-20
When the seventy (two) disciples of Jesus returned to Him from proclaiming the kingdom of God and healing the sick (Luke 10:9), they were full of joy and excited that they were even able to command the demons in the name of Jesus (Luke 10:17).
Jesus replies by teaching His personal viewing of the fall of Satan being like “lightning” as he fell from heaven (Luke 10:18). Jesus has given His disciples authority over the demonic forces that He refers to as “serpents and scorpions” (Luke 10:19). However, Jesus instructs His disciples to not be excited about this power but because their names are written in heaven (Luke 10:20).
This is a promise and example that Jesus is more powerful than Satan.
This is a promise that Jesus is able to give us the power through Him to overcome Satan.
Some would believe that this passage is to be taken literally as that Jesus gave His disciples the power to physically trample on serpents and scorpions without being hurt or that they would be immune to the bite of the serpent or the sting of the scorpion. But to literally put oneself in harm’s way would be putting the LORD our God to the test. Jesus states this to Satan when He was being tempted in the wilderness (Matthew 4:7).
Satan is referred to as a serpent in Revelation 12:9 and Jesus gave His twelve disciples power and authority over “all demons” in Luke 9:1. In this passage (Luke 10:17-20) Jesus notes that the power over serpents and scorpions is in relation to having power over the enemy and that nothing can cause His disciples any harm (Luke 10:19).
As we put our trust in Jesus, the power of Satan cannot harm us. The Apostle Paul teaches us in 1 Corinthians 10:13 that no temptation will overcome us if we keep our focus on Jesus. And that is the key to this teaching; Satan cannot harm us if our focus is on Jesus. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). When Jesus arose from the grave, He defeated death, He defeated sin, and He defeated Satan, once for all (Romans 6:1-14).
Dear Lord,
Jesus gave His disciples power and authority over the demons of Satan because they believed in Him. Please help us to see LORD that Jesus is our protector too, just as He was for His disciples. We are the disciples of Jesus today, and through Him, in keeping our focus on Him in times of trial and temptation, we too can overcome the demons of Satan. Please help us to see as Jesus taught His disciples, that the true joy is not in overcoming Satan, but that our names are written in heaven (Luke 10:20). In Jesus name I pray, amen.