17 The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” 18 And He said to them, “I was watching Satan fall from heaven like lightning. 19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you. 20 Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.” Luke 10:17-20
Jesus had sent out the seventy as a vanguard. Since they were under his authority, they had authority in his name to do signs and wonders.
Not unnaturally, they returned full of excitement because of the spiritual power that had been demonstrated through their ministry. They did not think they were doing it in their own power – they clearly state their recognition that their authority was in Jesus’ name. Nor did Jesus play down the significance of the events they had experienced. Rather he gave it great spiritual significance by describing its impact on the demonic world.
Having recognized their excitement and validated their spiritual experiences, Jesus then put it back in perspective. However wonderful and exciting the ministry they had engaged it, what was more important was their salvation. What was of greater consequence was their own spiritual status – that they were in God’s ‘good books’.
It is easy for those in ministry – particularly when exciting things are happening – to lose perspective. It is easy to give more weight to the wonders we see happening rather than to forgiveness of sins in Jesus and to our standing in his kingdom.
– SSXG