The Power & Authority of Jesus

More Disciples Are Sent Out!

There are 42 verses in this chapter, packed with important stories and instructions, including:

The Seventy Sent Out
Woe to the Impenitent Cities
The Seventy Return with Joy
Jesus Rejoices in the Spirit
The Parable of the Good Samaritan
Mary and Martha Worship and Serve

Encouraging Verse: Luke 10:19 “Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you.” (AMPC)

The Context

This chapter opens with Jesus commissioning 70 others (apart from the original 12) to go out and preach, heal, and deliver. He sent them out two by two. He told them there were few laborers despite the large harvest of souls to be reaped. He gave them strict instructions for their evangelistic journey and warned that they would be like lambs among wolves.

He cautioned them to discern those who would receive them and those who would not. For those who welcomed them, they were to heal the sick and declare that the ‘Kingdom of God was at hand’. For the resistant ones, the disciples were to shake the dust off, warn them as Sodom was warned, and move on! Jesus also warned Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum of the coming judgment for their rebellion.

The 70 came back rejoicing! They couldn’t believe that even the demons were subject to them when they went in Jesus’ name and authority. This is the context of Luke 10:19, and why I’ve chosen this verse for today. 😊

My Thoughts

Hands down, this is one of my favorite verses in the Bible! I quote it often and for good reason. These 70 disciples were astounded by the authority given to them. But Jesus wasn’t surprised in the least—He told them He had seen Satan fall like lightning from heaven.

Satan was in heaven?! He sure was! This is referred to in Isaiah 14:12: “How you are fallen from heaven, O shining star, son of the morning. You have been thrown down to the earth, you who destroyed the nations of the world.” Satan had to be fired from his angelic role. Why? The following verses tell us he decided, ‘I will ascend to heaven and set my throne above God’s stars. I will preside on the mountain of the gods far away in the north. I will climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High.’ Instead, he was brought down to the lowest depths. El Elyon (the Most High) wasn’t having it, so Satan’s fall was swift, like lightning.

So, Jesus wasn’t impressed that the demons had to submit to His authority. He then explained to the 70 (and all of us who would become disciples) what that authority meant, as seen in Luke 10:19.

BTW, what is a Disciple? The word “disciple” comes from the Greek word manthanō, meaning “to learn.” A disciple is a learner, pupil, or student—someone who learns from and follows a teacher or master, embodying their teachings in daily life. It goes beyond intellectual learning to a commitment to emulate the teacher’s way of life and values.

So, given this definition, most of us can be described as Jesus’ present-day disciples.

Does this promise then in Luke 10:19 apply to us? You betcha! Let’s break it down a bit.

Jesus said, “I have given you…” So, we don’t buy it, we can’t earn it—it’s a gift from Christ to His followers. We can’t conjure it up; it’s God-given! Remember the story of Simon the Sorcerer offering money to Peter and John, asking for the ability to impart the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands (Acts 8:18-19)? When Apostle Peter chewed him out, Simon had to beg for his life! Spiritual gifts can’t be bought.

Point 1: The authority and power are a GIFT from Jesus to His true followers.

Depending on the translation, you may see the words “power” or “authority,” but the AMPC includes both because they have distinct meanings in Greek! And Jesus gave us both!

Authority (Greek: exousia) refers to delegated or conferred authority—the right to act or exercise control. It’s the position of power given by someone with higher authority (in this case, God through Christ).

Power (Greek: dynamis) refers to inherent strength, ability, or miraculous power. This word is often used to describe the divine power of God working through people, such as performing miracles or overcoming supernatural forces.

In short:

Authority (exousia): The legal right or position to act.
Power (dynamis): The ability or strength to carry out that authority!

Therefore, Jesus gave His disciples the capacity (inherent power) to act in His name and to demonstrate miraculous works, showing God’s might over evil. Point No. 2

So, why do we need all these superpowers? For two reasons:

To trample demonic forces! We know that serpents and scorpions represent evil forces, as seen in the Bible. Here are some examples:
- Genesis 3:1-15: The serpent is the deceiver who tempts Eve.
- Revelation 12:9; 20:2: The serpent is identified as the dragon, Satan himself.
- 2 Corinthians 11:3: Paul warns the church not to be deceived, as Eve was by the serpent.
- Deuteronomy 8:15: Scorpions are used symbolically to describe danger in the wilderness.
- Revelation 9:3-10: Scorpions describe demonic torment during the fifth trumpet judgment.
To put the power of the devil in subjection. There’s a song that says Satan doesn’t have power. This verse begs to differ! And if you could ask the sons of Sceva, they would testify: Oh yes! Satan and his cohorts have power! We read in Acts 19, “Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. One day the evil spirit answered them, ‘Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?’ Then the man with the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.” Have mercy! 1 demon, 7 men! Would they have been able to give Apostle Paul a beatdown? No! Why? Because Paul had authority over their power. They knew who he was in the realm of the spirit.

Jesus is saying that His power trumps that of the enemy. The enemy and all his forces are subject to His authority. That’s why we see them acknowledging Jesus and begging Him not to destroy them. This authority has been given to any true follower and disciple of Christ. The Amplified Bible tells us that Jesus gave us physical and mental strength and ability to execute this power. Awesomeness! (Is that a word? 😀) Point 3.

And if this wasn’t enough, Jesus made another mind-blowing promise: NOTHING shall by any means harm us! Depending on the translation, you may see “hurt,” “harm,” or “injure.” The Greek word adikeō primarily means to harm or injure unjustly. So, in this context, it reassures believers that, by Christ’s authority, no harm—whether physical, spiritual, or moral—will come to us from the forces of evil. Can I get an Amen?! Point 4

But before we get all big-headed, Jesus reminded them (and us) that the authority to trample down the enemy’s camp was not the point. The true point of the celebration is that our names are written in heaven!

Practical Application

To claim this powerful promise we must be true disciples. Are you a true follower of Jesus? If you’re not sure, I invite you to recommit to Him (Prayer of Salvation – https://youtu.be/m73I7GgiXPE?si=DV7zzVfEuySNLTs0 )
Believe the words and promises of this verse! As mind-blowing as it seems, you must believe it in your heart, or it won’t work.
Know who you are in Christ and operate from that revelation knowledge. If you’re not a true disciple, those serpents and scorpions will know! Remember before the beatdown, they said to the sons of Sceva, “Who are you?”
Believe that nothing will harm you, no matter what life throws at you. You may be bruised, but as long as you have breath, you can rise again!
Rejoice knowing your name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life! (Revelation 21:27, NIV: “Nothing impure will ever enter it…but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.“)

Your Turn 😊

What are your thoughts on Luke 10:19?
How can you apply this passage to your life?
Do you have a favorite verse or takeaway from this chapter?

Please share your insights—I’d love to hear from you!

Until tomorrow—Peace & Love,
Coach D