Treading on Serpents

Christ Bestows Power “to Tread Upon Serpents”

The seventy[-two] returned rejoicing, and said, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name.” Jesus said, “I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky. Behold, I have given you the power ‘to tread upon serpents’ and scorpions and upon the full force of the enemy and nothing will harm you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”

Luke 10:17-20

Prophecy of the Woman’s Seed

God’s curse on the serpent, woman, man, and the ground after the Fall contained a promise, called the “Protoevangelium”—the first gospel. Addressing the serpent, God declared:

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

Genesis 3:15 (RSV)

In the drama of redemption, God predestined his Son, the “seed” of the woman, to crush the serpent’s head. Resisting the lies of the ancient foe, Christ destroyed pride and disobedience on the cross, overthrowing his dominion. 

Children of God Are Heirs With Christ

The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.

Romans 8:16-17

With Satan vanquished, heirs with Christ of the heavenly kingdom receive divine power “to tread upon serpents and scorpions.” At the name of Jesus, demons flee the Light.

Related to the Gospel of the Day:

I Have Called You By Name
Lambs Among Wolves
Mysteries Revealed to Babes