Luke 10:17-20 (3)

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-Please turn back to Luke 10.

We’re going to be looking at...

…the rest of the verses, in that section...

...that we began last week...

…that goes from Verse 17 down to Verse 20.

And, I’ll echo...

...the same introductory sentiments...

…to you today...

…that I did, then:

The language Jesus uses here...

Is deep and mysterious

Isn’t easy to understand

But, it does draw on some...

…frequently used biblical themes...

And their frequency in the scriptures...

…is going to be what helps us...

…understand what Jesus meant...

...by today’s words, as well.

Well, let’s jump on in...

…and begin reading back in Verse 17.

Luke 10:17...

This is God’s holy and inspired word:

Luke 10:17–20 (ESV)

17 The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!”

18 And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.

19 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.

20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

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Pray

-So, last week, we spent our entire time...

…considering the language of Verses 17-18.

In verse 17, the Seventy/Seventy-Two evangelists...

…returned to give Jesus a report...

…on the great success of their work.

And remember, that it appeared as though...

…they were somewhat surprised by this success...

…given, that Jesus had told them...

Luke 10:3 (ESV)

3...behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.

But, in Verse 17, Luke told us that they...

Luke 10:17 (ESV)

17 ...returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!”

-Then, in Verse 18 we saw...

...Jesus explaining to them, that...

…as they went about harvesting souls for Christ...

…That he was seeing in that...

…the decisive but ongoing defeat of Satan.

Remember the way...

…the LSB translated it:

Luke 10:18 (LSB)

18 And He said to them, “I was watching Satan fall from heaven like lightning.

Imperfect tense = Past, but Ongoing

-Remember the related explanation that Jesus gave in Luke 11:

Luke 11:20–22 (ESV)

20 ...if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

21 When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are safe;

22 but when one stronger than he attacks him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted and divides his spoil.

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And what was happening with the Seventy...

…was that the Strong Man...

....was already beginning to be...

Restrained

Prevented from deceiving the nations any longer

Plundered of his possessions...

And Christ (through the Seventy)...

…was already beginning to...

Claim the Messianic harvest of the Nations!

That was my premise to you about Verse 18.

-Now, it’s important that we recognize...

…that Verses 19 & 20 are continuing Jesus’ response...

…to what the Seventy had said in Verse 17.

Notice how Verse 19 begins:

Luke 10:19 (ESV)

19 Behold, I have given you authority...

“Look” or “See”

So, immediately we see...

…Jesus answering their unasked question.

“How/Why is this happening?”

Answer:

Because I, the One who (ALREADY) posses such authority...

Have bestowed it upon You!

That’s How!

That’s Why!

-Now, what has he authorized them to do?

Well, we know from Verse 17...

…that the the demons were subjugated before them.

But, look at the way he describes that subjugation, in Verse 19:

Luke 10:19 (ESV)

19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions...

What does that mean?

What is this language meant to connote?

I think it implies more than...

…the physical ability to shake off a viper...

…and escape death...

…like Paul had done on that island.

And, I say that for a number of reasons:

To begin with...

…the word “tread on” means more...

…than just “walking on top of”

It’s a word that’s...

...only used a handful of times in the NT...

And, it can mean, to:

Step on

Trample

Crush

Conquer

Subjugate.

A Few Examples:

Luke 21:24 (ESV)

24 They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

Revelation 14:19–20 (ESV)

19 So the angel swung his sickle across the earth and gathered the grape harvest of the earth and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.

20 And the winepress was trodden outside the city, and blood flowed from the winepress, as high as a horse’s bridle, for 1,600 stadia.

(There’s only two other places it’s used...

…and they’re almost identical)

-So, what does the use of this word...

...mean for our Verse?

Well, what’s the very first thing that comes to your mind...

…when you hear the language of Verse 19?

Genesis 3:15 (ESV)

15 I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”

You see, Satan’s offspring...

...would continually strike the heel...

…of the Woman’s offspring.

They would inflict great pain and suffering...

…upon those who fear the Lord...

But, in the end...

…and even through that suffering...

…the people of God will triumph...

And, the efforts that bruise the heel...

…will end up in the crushing of their heads!

-This is, of course, ultimately fulfilled...

…in the Cross of Christ! (explain)

But, what we see throughout the Scripture...

…is that, this is a motif that is frequently used...

…to comfort and encourage God’s people (The seed of the Woman)...

…in the midst of their afflictions.

Let me show you what I mean:

Notice, the literal application, in...

The Warning:

Deuteronomy 8:11–12 (ESV)

11 “Take care lest you forget the Lord your God...

Deuteronomy 8:14–15 (ESV)

15 who led you through the great and terrifying wilderness, with its fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty ground where there was no water...

Deuteronomy 8:17 (ESV)

17 Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.’

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So, this is a sort of negative example...

But, what is the point?

It’s a reminder, that...

…though they experienced much suffering...

God was at work in that suffering for their good

They were (By the hand of God) victorious in the end!

The Deadly serpents and scorpions...

…only bruised their heels!

God had given them the victory over them!

-We see this same motif stated positively...

…and as an ongoing general principle, in...

Psalm 91:1–2 (ESV)

1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

Psalm 91:9–14 (ESV)

9 Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place...

10 no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent.

(Remember this language for later)

11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.

12 On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.

Remember: Satan had Tempted Jesus with this Promise (elaborate)

13 You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.

14 “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name.

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-Now, Ultimately, this promise is probably Messianic.

But, it is the Messiah’s faithfulness...

…that earns the blessing and protection of the LORD...

…that he, in turn, gives to those who are his!

He didn’t falter in his temptation.

He held fast to the Father in love.

And as such, the god of this world...

…has no power over him!

-So, what does this mean for Verse 19?

It means a number of things:

They could probably still expect to have bruised heels

But...

b. Their success was CERTAIN!

Look at what we haven’t read yet:

Luke 10:19 (ESV)

19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy...

Sproul says this:

Now... that one who will crush the head of the serpent fully and finally, grants his disciples the power to tread on the serpent and on the scorpion, and over all the power of the enemy.

That is the power of the kingdom of God.

There is no possible way that the enemies of the Christian faith can ever prevail over the kingdom of God. — Sproul

-Now, watch this...

…at the end of Verse 19:

Luke 10:19 (ESV)

19 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.

Oh, we need to understand this correctly.

Is Jesus saying that...

…the Seventy WON’T face persecution and suffering at all?

I’d say that would be a pretty difficult...

…position to take.

Why?

Because of what else he said.

Luke 10:3 (ESV)

3...I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.

And, we saw what that meant with the Twelve:

Matthew 10:16–18 (ESV)

16 “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.

17 Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues,

18 and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake...

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-Guys, their heels were still going to get bruised...

But, they’re going to...

Ultimately, crush the head

Ultimately, win the war

And, they’re going to be...

Ultimately protected...

…from any SPIRITUAL or ETERNAL Harm!

Remember, what Jesus said in the Olivet Discourse?

Luke 21:12–13 (ESV)

12 ...they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake.

13 This will be your opportunity to bear witness.

Why?

Mark adds:

Mark 13:10 (ESV)

10 And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations.

(The bruising of the heel is often the means!)

Jesus goes on, in...

Luke 21:16–19 (ESV)

16 You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death.

17 You will be hated by all for my name’s sake.

18 But not a hair of your head will perish.

19 By your endurance you will gain your lives.

What can he mean by that?

(Smyrna)

Revelation 2:11 (ESV)

11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.’

Let me show you what that I think that means:

Revelation 20:4–6 (ESV)

4 ...I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.

5 The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection.

6 Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.

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You see, there’s something more important, than...

Temporal and Physical Success

Temporal and Physical Happiness

Temporal and Physical Victories

Temporal and Physical Life!

What matters most...

…and what Christ ensures for his people...

Is...

Spiritual Protection

Eternal Life!

-And, we actually see that point...

…being driven home, by Jesus, in Verse 20...

This is why no ultimate harm...

…can ever come their way:

Luke 10:20 (ESV)

20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

In other words...

“It’s great that you have experienced...

…this earthly victory against the powers of darkness!”

“It’s great that you can perform signs and wonders!”

“That’s great… really!”

“But it shouldn’t be your ultimate cause of rejoicing”

“What ought to bring you the most joy...

…is the fact that God has...

…chosen you for citizenship...

…in his eternal, heavenly Kingdom!”

-Let me show you a contrast, here.

Is it possible for someone to experience...

Supernatural phenomena

Signs and Wonders

Earthly victories over spiritual forces...

…and yet their names NOT be enrolled in heaven?

Matthew 7:22–23 (ESV)

22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’

23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

Brethren, there are “lying signs and wonders”

Not everything miraculous is of God.

You’ll know a tree by it’s fruit.

And “workers of lawlessness” . . .

…don’t belong to God’s Kingdom...

…regardless of what they say...

…or what they’re able to do!

But, contrast them to the citizens of heaven:

Revelation 20:11–15 (ESV)

11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it...

12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done.

13 And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done.

14 Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.

15 And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

What’s my point?

Look at the very next verse:

Revelation 21:1–2 (ESV)

1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.

2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

The City is identified:

Revelation 21:9 (ESV)

9 Then came one of the seven angels . . . spoke to me, saying, “Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.”

And, of this City, it was said:

Revelation 21:26–27 (ESV)

26 They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations.

27 But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

That’s the contrast to Matthew 7!

Here’s why it’s a greater cause of rejoicing:

Revelation 22:3–5 (ESV)

3 No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him.

4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.

5 And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.

I want to finish with this:

It should encourage and exhort us all.

Revelation 12:7–12 (ESV)

9 And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.

10 And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God.

11 And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.

12 Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!”

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Brethren,

You and I can expect to have bruised heels…

…as we serve our King in this foreign land.

But,

The swelling will go down

The pain won’t last forever.

Ultimate victory is promised to those who conquer...

By the blood of the Lamb

The Word of their testimony

And to those who...

Love not this earthly life...

…even unto death!

-Do we need the grace of God...

…to thus conquer?

Let’s ask him for it now.