Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases.  He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.  (Luke 10:1-2)

Jesus’ commission to the disciples was a preview of His commission to the church after His resurrection.  From the time of Adam’s sin in the Garden, Satan had been the god of this world and men were locked in the bondage of his oppression.  Satan had never seen anyone like Jesus before who was easily ‘spoiling his house’ and setting the captives free.  Satan was unable to tempt Jesus to sin which would ultimately spell doom for the ‘prince of the power of the air.’ 

But when Satan saw Jesus’ disciples (82 mere men) demonstrating the same power over demons and sickness, the scriptures say the following:

Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name."  And He said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.” (Luke 10:17-18)

What did Jesus mean by His statement that He saw Satan fall?  The Greek word for fall means:  ‘to descend from a higher place to a lower; to fall prostrate; to lose authority, no longer have force; to be cast down from a state of prosperity.’

Can you imagine the upheaval in the world of darkness when mere men began to spoil the house of Satan?  His own position before God as the accuser of the brethren was shaken.  His grip on the keys of hell and death was loosened.  His authority to oppress and make sick, weak and poor was mortally wounded!

We know that on the cross Jesus dealt the final death blow to Satan and the powers of darkness.  He disarmed principalities and powers and triumphed over them.  He has now delegated all authority and power to His church.  We have the power to tread upon serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy!

The next time you feel you are facing the power of darkness, realize that you are facing a defeated enemy.  See Satan prostrate before you with no authority and no force.  You are more than a conqueror through Him who loves you! (Rom. 8:37)