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Response
In Luke 10:18, Jesus states, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.” The background of these words is the return of the 70 (or 72) disciples whom Jesus had sent out to spread the message and pave His way to Jerusalem (refer to verse 1). Upon the 70’s return and presentation of their findings, they express joy and some astonishment that “even the demons obey us when we use your name” (verse 17). Jesus’ initial response is, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven” (verse 18).
By alluding to Satan’s descent from heaven, Jesus likely had in mind Isaiah 14:12, “How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations!” The fall of Satan witnessed by Jesus occurred post-Lucifer’s transgression, preceding Adam and Eve’s temptation in the Garden of Eden. In his arrogance, Lucifer exalted himself, but God expelled him from his original heavenly position, although he currently maintains restricted access to heaven, as indicated in Job 1:6. Jesus’ declaration in Luke 10:18 signifies His pre-existence and the Lord’s triumph over Satan’s dominion in a broad sense.
Upon the return of Jesus’ disciples, expressing their delight in their dominion over demons, Jesus essentially conveys that their amazement was unwarranted. Satan is a defeated adversary and has always been subject to the authority of the Son of God. Jesus had dispatched the 70 with His authority, which encompasses the demonic realm. Satan’s fall “like lightning” suggests that his heavenly condemnation was swift and unmistakable. Not only did Jesus grant the 70 power over demons, but He also empowered them “to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy” «Behold, I give unto you powerTo tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” (Luke 10:19).
As the 70 celebrate that the demons were subject to them in Jesus’ name, in Luke 10:17, Jesus redirects their excitement by pointing to an even bigger blessing: their salvation! Jesus says, “However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven” (verse 20). Casting out demons has a temporal, limited benefit in this world, but having your name written in heaven is an eternal, unlimited blessing!
Revelation 12:9 refers to another time in which Satan is cast out of heaven: “The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.” We believe this happens during the future tribulation period when Satan is barred access to heaven once and for all.
At the end of the Great Tribulation, Jesus will return, overthrow the kingdom Satan was attempting to set up, and bind the devil for 1,000 years (Revelation 20:1-3). At the end of 1,000 years, Satan will be released for one final battle, but he is defeated again and thrown into the lake of fire for eternity (Revelation 20:7-10).
Jesus has power over Satan and power to save us. Still today, believers face a spiritual battle against forces of evil “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”, (Ephesians 6:12). With God’s Spirit, we do not need to fear Satan or evil spirits; rather,Dear friends, we rely on the Lord’s strength for triumph in our spiritual battles and have faith that God will safeguard us for the inheritance of heaven. “The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” «Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. », (1 John 4:4).
