Verse 17 When the 72 return, they are full of joy. Jesus’ name is powerful enough to give them authority over demons. Jesus’ power gives us all of our gains and victories over the devil.

Verses 18-20 Jesus says he saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning. This is a reference to the judgment of Satan, who is an angelic type creature (Ezekiel 28:12-18) that rebelled against God and got kicked out of heaven. (Isaiah 14:12-14, Rev. 9:1) This statement proves that Jesus has been around a lot longer than just the New Testament (where the Gospels record his birth on this earth). Jesus was present in Satan’s judgment.

God sentenced Satan to earth, and that’s why there is so much conflict between us and Satan. He is the prince of this world that we currently live in. Remember, Jesus is the King of heaven and earth.

The ministry work of these 72 disciples is a continuation of Satan’s defeat. Satan falls from heaven when he falls from the thrones of men’s hearts. Jesus empowers believers to cast the demons out. When we use Jesus’ power well, He gives us even more power.

Other scriptures that support verse 19: Genesis records God cursing the serpent (the devil) by saying, “And I will cause hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He (man) will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.” Genesis‬ ‭3:15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

In Psalm 91, the author (believed to be Moses or David) testifies that if the Lord is our refuge and shelter, then “You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!” Psalms‬ ‭91:13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

There’s this great literal illustration in Acts 28 where Paul, a man of great faith and follower of Jesus, shakes off a venomous snake who attacked and attached to Paul’s hand. Paul simply shakes it off and is unharmed. (Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭28:3-6‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

“These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.” ‭‭Mark‬ ‭16:17-18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

God has given us the power to tread or walk on all the power of the enemy. The devil is subject to us. The death and resurrection of Jesus, him whose spirit now lives in us, defeated Satan. We are not a victim in our circumstances when we have the victory of Jesus running through our veins.

Though making wicked spirits submit to their words was honorable, Jesus reframes their joy. This greater honor is to have their names written in heaven. It is good to confirm our faith and mission with powerful miracles, but the greater cause to celebrate is to find our names written in heaven’s ledger as a resident of eternal life, a child of God through faith. When we have a relationship with God, we become citizens of His kingdom. We are heading toward a home filled up with His glory. And this is our utmost, highest aim. This is the source of our joy. Casting demons out is a privilege we receive as a believer. But Jesus’ saving grace is more amazing than spiritual gifts.

There are some believers who will not find their names in heaven. They may betray or disown Jesus with their words or actions. Judas, a disciple of Jesus, is a good example of this. He was one of the twelve disciples who walked with Jesus and had the power to cast out demons, and yet he turned on Jesus and handed the Messiah over to Roman officials to be executed.

Jesus’ Prayer of Thanksgiving

Verses 21-22 Jesus’ ministry accomplishes God’s will. The gospel is spreading and believers are gaining ground on the devil, exposing his lies and demons wherever they go. People are coming to Jesus and being saved from their ailments and unbelief. Jesus praises God, the Father, Creator of heaven and earth, for revealing who Jesus is through his Spirit. Our Savior holds all power and authority, all wisdom and knowledge, and all grace. He was there at the beginning with God the Father. And Jesus is our gateway to reconciliation with God. God had kept all this a secret at the beginning of creation, but now He has revealed it. The only way to a relationship with God the Father is through Jesus, his Son, who holds the Father’s delight. Only through Jesus can we receive saving grace.

We owe every revelation and discovery of God’s will for our salvation to Jesus. Jesus reveals hidden things about God the Father to those who trust His words and works like a child witnessing a new thing. And much like a child, these disciples are not “well educated” people who can credit this kind of success to their own learning. Jesus has given it to them and thankful 72 disciples have this revelation to teach others and experience supernatural success.

Verses 23-24 These disciples are like the trusting children that Jesus just spoke of. They have seen and heard what many Old Testament saints had longed to see and hear: the coming of the Messiah and his kingdom. These disciples trust Jesus and are now teaching others. Those in the Old Testament did not have the advantages we have today with Jesus and the New Testament. 

Prayer

Jesus, thank you for revealing who you are to me. You are altogether wonderful and my Truth. Surely goodness and mercy follow me and stay beside me all of my days. Thank you for the revelation of God’s will through your Word. Open my eyes of faith, Jesus, so that I may experience more revelations of Your will for my life. Holy Spirit, give me the courage to step out in faith and act under Your will without hesitation or reasoning. Thank you for gifting me with the power and authority over the devil and his demons in your name, Jesus. Thank you for the gifts you’ve given me.

Mostly, thank you for calling me your child and writing my name in heaven’s ledger. Though I feel so unworthy, help me live full of belief and conviction that I am truly an ambassador of heaven, sent here to this earth to proclaim the gospel message and be the hands and feet spreading this good news. I am thankful that I don’t have to live under condemnation or shame, but that I can live fully forgiven and sanctified through you, Jesus. What a privilege to know and receive this freedom. Thank you, Jesus. You are my gateway to all things. Nothing I do or encounter escapes your hands. Your goodness and kindness filter everything in my life, including my salvation. Thank you, Jesus, for who you are to me. Help me remain in this place of thanksgiving that stirs up my praise for You, Jesus. In Jesus’ name, Amen.