Jesus’ statement about giving His followers authority to trample on snakes and scorpions is found in Luke 10:19. This verse comes within the context of Jesus sending out the seventy-two disciples to preach the gospel and perform miracles. When they return to Jesus, they are excited that even the demons submit to them in Jesus’ name. Jesus responds by saying:
“I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions, and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” (Luke 10:18-19)
So what did Jesus mean by this? Let’s explore some key points:
1. Jesus was confirming the disciples’ authority over evil spirits
Jesus references seeing Satan fall from heaven, connecting this to the disciples’ report about the demons submitting to them. By giving them the “authority to trample on snakes and scorpions,” He is confirming their God-given authority over evil spirits and demonic forces. Just as they could step on dangerous snakes and scorpions without being harmed, they had power over the schemes of the devil.
2. It was symbolic language conveying victory over Satan
Snakes and scorpions are used in the Bible as symbols of evil and the powers of Satan (see Genesis 3:1, Revelation 9:10). By granting authority to “trample” on these creatures, Jesus was using symbolic language to promise victory over Satanic forces trying to attack or deceive them. Though the enemy still operated in the world, the disciples had power to crush Satan’s efforts and not be spiritually harmed.
3. A fulfilling of the Genesis 3 prophecy
In Genesis 3:15, after Adam and Eve sinned, God promised that the offspring of Eve would crush the head of the serpent (Satan), even as Satan bruised his heel. Jesus’ words about trampling snakes fulfilled this prophecy, declaring the victory He would accomplish over Satan on the disciples’ behalf through His death and resurrection. The disciples had the authority to enforce that future victory.
4. A promise of protection
Jesus ended this statement by promising “nothing will harm you.” Though snakes and scorpions could inflict harm, the disciples had authority to prevail over every attack of “the enemy.” As they faithfully proclaimed the gospel, they could know God’s protection from all the enemy’s efforts to hurt them spiritually or physically.
5. An assurance of power for ministry
This authority was not given for selfish reasons, but to equip the disciples for the ministry Jesus called them to. In the context, Jesus was sending them out with the gospel and power to perform miracles (Luke 10:9,17). The authority to trample spiritual forces enabled them to powerfully advance the Kingdom of God rather than being thwarted.
In summary, Jesus was highlighting the incredible authority He gave His followers to prevail over Satan’s kingdom and carry out the work of the gospel unhindered. This authority continues for believers today who tread in the footsteps of the early disciples. Though the enemy rages, we have power to crush his efforts underfoot and see God’s Kingdom advance through faithful ministry.
Further Teaching in Scripture
Here are some other verses that provide more detail about the authority Jesus gives His followers:
Overcoming the Devil’s Schemes
Ephesians 6:10-13 – Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the devil’s schemes.
James 4:7 – Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
1 John 2:13-14 – You have overcome the evil one. The word of God lives in you.
Spiritual Victory through Christ
Romans 8:37 – We are more than conquerors through Christ who loved us.
1 Corinthians 15:57 – God gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Colossians 2:15 – Jesus disarmed and triumphed over the powers of darkness.
Delegated Authority to Proclaim the Gospel
Matthew 28:18-20 – All authority has been given to Jesus. Therefore, go and make disciples.
Mark 16:15-18 – Go into all the world and preach the gospel with miraculous signs.
Luke 9:1-2 – Jesus gave the Twelve authority over demons and disease as they preached the Kingdom.
Power and Protection for Ministry
2 Thessalonians 3:3 – The Lord will protect you from the evil one.
2 Timothy 1:7 – God gave us power, love and sound judgment for ministry.
1 John 5:18 – Those born of God are protected, and the evil one cannot harm them.
Applying this Promise to Our Lives
For believers today, Jesus’ words about trampling on snakes and scorpions assure us that through faith in Him, we have been given supernatural power to rise above the schemes and attacks of Satan. Here are some ways we can apply this promise:
1. Walk in the authority you have in Christ
Understand your identity in Christ and the fact that He has delegated authority to you through the Holy Spirit. You have power to withstand temptation, resist the devil’s lies, cast out spiritual darkness where God leads you, and operate in your God-given gifts.
2. Put on the full armor of God
Utilize every piece of spiritual armor listed in Ephesians 6 daily – truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, the word of God and prayer. This will protect you from the flaming arrows of the evil one.
3. Reject condemning thoughts from the enemy
The devil is called “the accuser” (Revelation 12:10). Don’t accept his lies about you. Rebuke any condemning thoughts in Jesus’ name. Declare who you are in Christ.
4. Walk in purity and obedience
Sin gives the devil an opening. Resist compromise and seek to live a holy life. Obey God’s commands and follow the Spirit’s leading.
5. Surround yourself with Christian community
You’ll be strengthened and encouraged as you walk closely with other believers. Their counsel and prayers are invaluable.
6. Move ahead boldly in your Kingdom calling
God has called and empowered you to make disciples, serve sacrificially, share the gospel, confront injustice, and be His hands and feet. Don’t let fear stop you as you walk in your purpose.
Jesus Christ has fully defeated Satan, and as His followers, we can walk in this victory. Through the power of the Spirit at work within us, we can crush every snake-like scheme of the enemy underfoot. May we boldly and faithfully serve Christ, assured that nothing can truly harm us as we trample on the powers of darkness.