Seventy-two of Jesus’ disciples return from their short-term mission trip and give Jesus a report. He conducts the debriefing and provides fascinating commentary in Luke 10.
The Mission Report by the Disciples
Luke 10:17 ESV “The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!””
Apparently, the mission had gone very well. The 72 have been and are likely still very busy telling one another their “war stories.” The mission was successful all around--in works of power, in preaching, in strategy, and in many coming to salvation.
They report their amazement at the subjection of the demons in the name of Jesus. They have the right perspective--it is about Jesus’ authority and glory, not theirs. They would have witnessed demons coming out of the possessed and their oppression of communities coming to an end. They would have observed their influence over people for sin and believing what is false being greatly reduced. Bottom line, they would have seen many come to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, and the beginning of many new churches.
This one recorded comment of theirs might be their focus; or maybe it is just an example of the types of things they were saying. Maybe it is because this aspect of the mission was a great surprise to them. It could even be recorded because of Jesus’ response and its importance to Luke and the Church.
The Mission Analysis by the Lord Jesus
Luke 10:18–20 ESV “And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.””
The comments of Jesus whole-heartedly match the disciples’ excitement and success. He too greatly delights in the defeat of Satan by their recent work in the mission campaign. The forces of evil are shaking as they are being routed and reminded of their coming eternal doom. “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.” (1 John 3:8b) The Mission of the Church continues the plundering of Satan’s house until Christ Himself returns in glory (Luke 11:20-22).
Jesus makes it clear that He gave disciples great authority for that brief mission tour and for the whole of the Mission. They will trample on snakes and scorpions – a reference to Satan and demons and all the powers of the enemy. (v.20; Genesis 3:15; Deuteronomy 8:15; Psalm 91:13) Nothing can really harm us as His disciples in any ultimate sense. This doesn’t mean there won’t be difficulties, discouragements, and sufferings. But, in facing them we can exhibit great courage and boldness, being strong in the strength of His might and fighting with Divine power (Ephesians 6:10-12; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5).
Our Lord Jesus then goes on to point out that the joy in this power over the demons is not the ultimate joy. He is not saying they shouldn’t be joyful in such spiritual victories. Don’t make this common mistake. He is simply using language of comparison. This is not a rebuke; it is a clarification of perspective--getting the emphasis right.
True and foundational joy is not in the power, but in the security of one’s own salvation. And the emphasis needs to remain here. It is this security that will truly empower us, give us constant joy, fearlessness and inspire us to continue. But, again, by all means take great joy in the power, as well!
God Will Soon Crush Satan Under Our Feet
Gospel ministry and mission should be characterized by going on the offensive against the evil one. We should not be playing church cautiously in a defensive posture. We should go on the attack with the Gospel and our authority in Jesus’ Name. We should be fearless, having the greatest advantage. And we should be joyful about it like the disciples. We are crushing the forces of evil and Jesus is “looking on” with great joy!
Jesus’ final words of analysis and joy that day:
Luke 10:23–24 ESV “Then turning to the disciples he said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.””
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