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An overview of the Gospel of Luke, by Given O. Blakely

COMMENTARY ON: 10:17-24

Since May, 1993, a ministry instituted for the encouragement of believers in Christ

LESSON NUMBER 36

The seventy returned filled with joy, telling the Lord that even thedemons were subject to them – the first and only record of a groupthat size being granted such power while Jesus was in the world. Hethen gave them three reasons why they had such success: (1) Hebeheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. (2) He gave them power.(3) Nothing could by any means hurt them. The Lord promptlyadmonished them not to rejoice in this subjection, but to rejoicebecause their names were written in heaven. In that very hour Jesusrejoiced in Spirit, thanking the Father that He had hidden these thingsfrom the wise and prudent, and revealed them unto babes, becauseit seemed good in His sight. Continuing His words to the Father, Heconfessed that all things had been delivered to Him by the Father,and that no man knew who the Son was, nor who the Father is. Hethen told His disciples they were being blessed.

A MINISTRY FOR HUNGRY SAINTS

A Ministry for Hungry Saints, Series on the Book of Luke, Lesson #35, Meeting #566 – in its 23ND year

INTRODUCTION

A BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE TEXT The seventy returned filled with

joy, telling the Lord that even thedemons were subject to them – the firstand only record of a group that sizebeing granted such power while Jesuswas in the world. He then gave themthree reasons why they had suchsuccess: (1) He beheld Satan aslightning fall from heaven. (2) He gavethem power. (3) Nothing could by any

means hurt them.

The Lord promptly admonishedthem not to rejoice in this subjection,but to rejoice because their names werewritten in heaven. In that very hourJesus rejoiced in Spirit, thanking theFather that He had hidden these thingsfrom the wise and prudent, andrevealed them unto babes, because itseemed good in His sight. Continuing

His words to the Father, He confessedthat all things had been delivered toHim by the Father, and that no manknew who the Son was, nor who theFather is. He then told His disciplesthey were being blessed.

The concept of being “sent” bythe Lord is an important one to grasp.When someone says they representGod, yet have not been sent by Him,

54 VERSIONS OF THE ENGLISH SCRIPTURES ABP=Apostolic Bible Polyglot m(1992); ALT=Analytical-Literal Translation (2005), AMPLIFIED =Amplified Bible (1965), ABP=Apostolic BiblePolygot with Greek Interlinear (2003); ASV=American Standard Version (1901), BBE=Bible in Basic English (1949), BRENT=Brenton’sEnglish Septuagint; CEB =Common English Bible (2011); CEV=Contemporary English Version (1995); DRA=Douay-Rheims (1899), EMTV=English Majority Text (2002); ERV =English Revised Version (1885), ETH = Etheridge Translation (1849); ETRV = Easy to Read (1999),ESV=English Stand Version (2001), GENEVA=Geneva Bible (1599), GNB=Good News (1966), GSNT =Goodspeed (1923), GWN =God’sWord (1995), IE= International English (1973), NIRV=New Int’l Readers Version (1998); ISV=International Standard Version (1967),JPS=Jewish Publication Society (1917), JUB=Jubilee Bible (2003); KJV=King James Version (1611), LITV= Literal Translation of the Bible(1976), LEW = Lewis Translation (1896); LIVING=Living Bible (1971), MESSAGE=The Message (1993), MGI = Peshitta Translation (2006);MIT =Idiomatic Version; MKJV= Modern KJV (1962), MONTGOMERY=Montgomery’s New Testament (2001), MRD=Peshitta-JamesMurdock Translation (1852), NAB=New American Bible (2002), NASB=New American Standard Bible (1977), NAU=New American StandardBible (1995), NIB=New International Bible, NIV=New International Version (1984), NJB=New Jerusalem Bible (1985), NKJV=New KingJames Version (1979), NLT=New Living Translation (1996), NOY = George Noyes Bible (1869); NRSV=New Revised Standard Version(1989), PHILLIPS=J B Phillips New Testament (1962), PNT=Bishop’s New Testament (1595), ROT = Rotheram Bible (1999); RPTE =Revised Patriarchal Greek Orthodox New Testament; RSV=Revised Standard Version (1952), TNK=JPS Tanakj (1985), WEB=WebsterBible (1833),WEYMOUTH=Weymouth’s New Testament (1903), WILLIAMS=William’s New Testament (1937), TYNDALE=Tyndale’s Bible(1526), WYCLIFFE=Wycliffe New Testament (1382), YLT =Young’s Literal Translation (1862)

GREEK LEXICON LEGEND FRIBERG; LOUW-NIDA; LIDDELL SCOTT; THAYER; VGNT GREEK DICTIONARY; GINGRICH

Lesson Number 36

The Book of Luke, 4/1/2016

A MINISTRY INITIATED INMAY 1993, AND DEDICATEDTO STRENGTHENING THOSEWHO ARE IN CHRIST, BYBUILDING THEIR FAITH,ENHANCING THEIR JOY, ANDSTABILIZING THEIR HOPE, ENABLING THEM TO WORKOUT THEIR SALVATION WITHFEAR AND TREMBLING.

P E R S U A D E D O F T H ENECESSITY OF KNOWING THECERTAINTY OF THE THINGSWE BELIEVE, LUKE MAKES USMORE FIRM BY BUTTRESSINGO U R F A I T H , A N DCONFIRMING WE HAVE NOTEMBRACED FABLES.

DISCLAIMER: The quoting of other translations is not to be taken as a condoning of them. My purpose is rather to show the remarkable diversity, and sometimes outrightcontradictions that exist among these various versions of Scripture. Our understanding of the Word of God ultimately depends upon our comprehension of the LordHimself and His eternal purpose. Where this understanding is not present, we are shut up to scholasticism and conjecture, both of which are of the world, not of God.

LUKE 10:17 "And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through Thy name. 18

And He said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. 19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpentsand scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 20 Notwithstanding in thisrejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. 21 In thathour Jesus rejoiced in Spirit, and said, I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that Thou hast hid these thingsfrom the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in Thy sight. 22 Allthings are delivered to Me of My Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, butthe Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal Him. 23 And He turned Him unto His disciples, and said privately, Blessed arethe eyes which see the things that ye see: 24 For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those thingswhich ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them." Luke 10:17-24

The seventy return with great joy, reporting what they had done. Jesus explains what happened and instructs them – Given O. BlakelyExplanations and Insights -- 1 of 14


their message is not to be believed.Such messages will always, at some point, be in conflict with what God hasalready made known. Men can attemptto emulate a messenger from God, butcan never do so accurately.

Believers are admonished, “believenot every spirit, but try the spiritswhether they are of God: because manyfalse prophets are gone out into theworld" (1 John 4:1). In order toneutralize this ability, Satan spreadsdelusions about God, who He is, andwhat He is doing. If this effort issuccessful, it removes the ability to “trythe spirits.” This has, in my judgment,taken place in our time. The averageprofessing Christian – even Christianleaders – appears to be whollyincapable of testing the spirits. Note,the admonition does not say try thedoctrines, but “try the spirits.” If thespirits are wrong, it is not possible fortheir doctrine to be right. As Jesusstates in our text, God hides the truthfrom such people so they cannot see it.Therefore, the emphasis is placed on

whom God has “sent.” Through theprophets, many times God pointed outwho He did NOT send (Jer 14;4,15;23:21,32; 27:15; 28:15; 29:9,31; Ezek13:6). On the other hand, the Lordstated that He had sent some (Jer 26:5;29:19; 35:15; 44:4; Matt 23:37; Lk13:34).

It is the responsibility of everyhearer to determine who sent themessenger to whom he is giving heed.It is possible for a proper message to bedelivered by an improper messenger.We have some examples of this.

- The confession of demons: “Iknow Thee who Thou art, the HolyOne of God." (Mark 1:24). Jesusresponded, “Hold thy peace” (Mk1:24-25; Lk 4:34-35). Andagain, "And unclean spirits, whenthey saw Him, fell down before Him,and cried, saying, Thou art the Sonof God. And He straitly chargedthem that they should not make Himknown." (Mark 3:11-12).

- The proclamation of a spirit ofdivination: “These men are theservants of the Most High God,which show unto us the way ofsalvation" (Acts 16:17). Afterhearing that for “many days . . .Paul being grieved, turned and saidto the spirit, I command thee in thename of Jesus Christ to come out ofher. And he came out the samehour" (Acts 16:18).

As intellectually simplistic as itmay seem, the church has not donewell in recognizing who was sent fromGod and who was not. Jesus clearlysaid, “For many shall come in My name,saying, I am Christ; and shall deceivemany" (Matt 24:5). And again, "Andmany false prophets shall rise, and shalldeceive many" (Matt 24:11).

There were even wholecongregations that were subverted bymessengers pretending to have beensent by God. Paul wrote to Corinth,"But I fear, lest by any means, as theserpent beguiled Eve through hissubtlety, so your minds should becorrupted from the simplicity that is in

Christ. For if he that cometh preachethanother Jesus, whom we have notpreached, or if ye receive another spirit,which ye have not received, or anothergospel, which ye have not accepted, yemight well bear with him" (2 Cor 11:3-4). He wrote to the churches of Galatia,“I marvel that ye are so soon removedfrom him that called you into the graceof Christ unto another gospel: which isnot another; but there be some thattrouble you, and would pervert thegospel of Christ " (Gal 1:6-7).

How did the apostle know thepeople had heard of “another Jesus,”“another spirit,” and “another gospel?”It was because of the fruit thosemessages produced. The Corinthianchurch unraveled into factions,inconsideration, pride, and selfishness.The apostle knew that the Gospel ofChrist and sound doctrine could simplynot produce such results.

How did this deception takeplace? Why was it not detected andthrust out of the church? Because thepeople, not being mature in heir faith,but mere children, were not able todetect who was from God and whowas not. That condition created a doorof entrance for the devil, and hestepped into it.

John the apostle even warned ofsome that once traveled with theapostles, yet proved to not be sent byGod: "Little children, it is the last time:and as ye have heard that antichristshall come, even now are there manyantichrists; whereby we know that it isthe last time. They went out from us,but they were not of us; for if they hadbeen of us, they would no doubt havecontinued with us: but they went out,that they might be made manifest thatthey were not all of us" (1 John 2:18-19). The remedy: “But ye have anunction from the Holy One, and yeknow all things. . . . But the anointingwhich ye have received of Him abidethin you, and ye need not that any manteach you: but as the same anointingteacheth you of all things, and is truth,and is no lie, and even as it hath taughtyou, ye shall abide in Him." (1 John2:20,27).

` CONTENTS || INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION || THE SEVENTY RETURNED WITH JOYTHE SEVENTY RETURNED WITH JOY

(10:17)(10:17)|| I BEHELD SATAN AS LIGHTNING FALLI BEHELD SATAN AS LIGHTNING FALL

FROM HEAVEN (10:18)FROM HEAVEN (10:18)|| I GIVE UNTO YOU POWER 10:19)I GIVE UNTO YOU POWER 10:19)|| NOT WITHSTANDING IN THIS REJOICENOT WITHSTANDING IN THIS REJOICE

NOT (10:20)NOT (10:20)|| JESUS REJOICED IN SPIRIT (10:21A)JESUS REJOICED IN SPIRIT (10:21A)|| IT SEEMED GOOD IN THE FATHER’SIT SEEMED GOOD IN THE FATHER’S

SIGHT (10:21B)SIGHT (10:21B)|| ALL THINGS ARE DELIVERED TO JESUSALL THINGS ARE DELIVERED TO JESUS

(10:22A)(10:22A)|| NO MAN KNOWS WHO THE SON ISNO MAN KNOWS WHO THE SON IS

(10:22B)(10:22B)|| NO MAN KNOWS WHO THE FATHER IS NO MAN KNOWS WHO THE FATHER IS

(10:22C)(10:22C)|| BLESSED ARE THE EYES WHICH SEE BLESSED ARE THE EYES WHICH SEE

(10:23)(10:23)|| MANY PROPHETS AND KINGS HAVEMANY PROPHETS AND KINGS HAVE

DESIRED TO SEE (10:24)DESIRED TO SEE (10:24)



HOW CAN WE KNOW?As John so succinctly states,

those in Christ have received an“anointing” that makes things plain.That anointing, or unction, is the HolySpirit. He is thoroughly acquainted withthe truth, and is completely capable ofdirecting sensitive souls away from thelie as well as to the truth. But He mustnot be quenched or grieved, else He willcease that illuminating work (Eph 4:30;1 Thess 5:19).

In the case of the apostles and theseventy, their message was alsoconfirmed by signs (Rom 15:18-19; 2

Cor 12:12; Heb 2:4). Although, in somecircles, it is not popular to do so, I alsoremind you of something the Lord JesusHimself said, “And these signs shallfollow them that believe; In My nameshall they cast out devils; they shallspeak with new tongues; They shalltake up serpents; and if they drink anydeadly thing, it shall not hurt them; theyshall lay hands on the sick, and theyshall recover" (Mark 16:18). That issomething strictly managed by the Lord,not men. Further, it postulates thedeclaration of a valid and God-ordainedmessage.

Ultimately, the legitimacy of themessenger is confirmed by the fruit thatis produced by what he proclaims. Ifthose who embrace that doctrine feel athome in the world, love the world, areself-centered, and have little or nointerest in preparing for the return ofthe Lord, they have embraced a totallyerroneous message.

All of this will be displayed andannounced on the day of judgment, atwhich time correction will be allowed.That is something that must be done inthis world, by faith and through theSpirit.

THE SEVENTY RETURNED WITH JOY

LUKE 10:17 "And the seventy returnedagain with joy, saying, Lord, even thedevils are subject unto us through Thyname.”

THE SEVENTY RETURNED AGAIN"And the seventy returned again

with joy . . .”

Other versions read, “returnedjoyously,” CEB “came back jubilant,” CJB

“came back very happy,” GWN “returnedelated,” MIT “they joyfully reported tohim,” NLT “they were very happy,” IE

“they exclaimed joyfully,” WEYMOUTH “theywere excited,” CEV “came backdelighted,” GOODSPEED“came backtriumphant.” MESSAGE

Remember the commission givento these seventy disciples: “And intowhatsoever house ye enter, first say,Peace be to this . . . And heal the sickthat are therein (city), and say untothem, The kingdom of God is come nighunto you. But into whatsoever city yeenter, and they receive you not, go yourways out into the streets of the same,and say, Even the very dust of yourcity, which cleaveth on us, we do wipeoff against you: notwithstanding be yesure of this, that the kingdom of God iscome nigh unto you" (Luke 10:5-12).That commission required:

- Dependency on the Lord.- Blessing a house.- Discerning if the blessing should

stay.- Entering cities.- Discerning whether or not they were

received.- If not received, denouncing the city

publicly.- Healing the sick in the city receiving

them.- Announcing that the kingdom of God

had come nigh to the people.

That is a remarkable amount ofactivity requiring initiative, stamina,d i sce rnment , bo ldness , anddetermination – and all within arelatively short period of time.

Now, however , hav ingexperienced resounding success, theseventy return with joy. They wereliving out what Nehemiah meant whenhe said, “the joy of the Lord is yourstrength” (Neh 8:10). In our time, it isnot at all unusual to see people who arefatigued and discouraged as a result ofprofessedly serving God. The number ofdiscouraged and worn-pout preachers isstaggering. Not a few have embraced“retirement” with zeal. Why is this so?It is largely owing to a lack ofsatisfaction and joy in the Lord. Theirlabors have too often seemed in vain,

and they found themselves dwelling inthe graveyard of religious deadness.

But this is not at all the experienceof the seventy Jesus sent out. Theyreturned “joyously,” CEB “jubilant,” CJB

“very happy,” GWN “elated,” MIT

“excited,” CEV “delighted,” GOODSPEED and“triumphant.” MESSAGE

EVEN THE DEMONS ARE SUBJECT TO US“ . . . saying, Lord, even the devils

are subject unto us through Thy name.”

Other versions read, “even thedemons submit to us in Your name,” NIV

“Lord, in Your name, even the demonssubmit to us,” NRSV “even the evil spiritsare under our power in Your name,” BBE

“the devils are subdued to us throughThy Name,” GENEVA “even demons obeyus when we use the power andauthority of Your name!" GWN

Previously, the twelve had beensent out with similar authority (Matt10:8). When they returned it is written,“And the apostles, when they werereturned, told Him all that they haddone”(Luke 9:10).

Now, here is an interesting thing.When Jesus sent out the seventy, thereis no record of Him saying the samething He said to the twelve, which was:



"Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raisethe dead, cast out devils: freely ye havereceived, freely give" (Matt 10:8).

Apparently, when they began touse the power given to them, it farexceeded what they had expected –even “above all” they were “able to askor think” (Eph 3:20). I am persuadedthis is the nature of spiritual gifts andabilities. Once they are actually used byfaith, one finds they are infinitelygreater than they thought.

This sort of experience neverhappens to those who are attempting toserve God through a system of law.Law, and particularly the traditions ofmen, cannot profitably govern the giftsgiven by God.

I have found this to be a commonexperience, that when one begins toactually use the abilities God has given,and relies upon faith to get things done,one finds that the results aresignificantly greater than was expected.

Considering what the Lord hassaid about His provisions for men, thisshould not surprise us. Here are a fewof His statements.

- FAITH AND LOVE. "And the grace ofour Lord was exceeding abundantwith faith and love which is in ChristJesus." (1 Tim 1:14)

- WHAT WILL BE HAD. "For unto everyone that hath shall be given, and heshall have abundance: but from himthat hath not shall be taken awayeven that which he hath." (Mat25:29)

- LIFE. "The thief cometh not, but forto steal, and to kill, and to destroy:I am come that they might have life,and that they might have it moreabundantly." (John 10:10)

- GRACE. For if by one man's offencedeath reigned by one; much morethey which receive abundance ofgrace and of the gift ofrighteousness shall reign in life byone, Jesus Christ." (Rom 5:17)

- GOODNESS, FORBEARANCE, ANDLONGSUFFERING. "Or despisest thouthe riches of his goodness andforbearance and longsuffering; notknowing that the goodness of Godleadeth thee to repentance?" (Rom2:4)

- WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE. "O thedepth of the riches both of thewisdom and knowledge of God! howunsearchable are His judgments, andHis ways past finding out!" (Rom11:33)

- GRACE. "In whom we haveredemption through His blood, theforgiveness of sins, according to theriches of His grace." (Eph 1:7)

"That in the ages to come He mightshow the exceeding riches of Hisgrace in His kindness toward usthrough Christ Jesus." (Eph 2:7)

- RICHES OF CHRIST. "Unto me, who amless than the least of all saints, isthis grace given, that I should preachamong the Gentiles the unsearchableriches of Christ." (Eph 3:8)

- HIS GLORY. "That he would grantyou, according to the riches of Hisglory, to be strengthened with mightby His Spirit in the inner man." (Eph3:16)

- RICHES IN GLORY. "But my God shallsupply all your need according to Hisriches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Phil 4:19)

- THE MYSTERY. "To whom God wouldmake known what is the riches ofthe glory of this mystery among theGentiles; which is Christ in you, theHope of glory." (Col 1:27)

- UNDERSTANDING. "That their heartsmight be comforted, being knittogether in love, and unto all richesof the full assurance ofu n d e r s t a n d i n g , t o t h eacknowledgment of the mystery ofGod, and of the Father, and ofChrist." (Col 2:2)

- PROVISION. "He that spared not His

own Son, but delivered Him up forus all, how shall he not with Himalso freely give us all things?" (Rom8:32)

"Therefore let no man glory in men.For all things are yours; WhetherPaul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or theworld, or life, or death, or thingspresent, or things to come; all areyours; and ye are Christ's; andChrist is God's." (1 Cor 3:21-23)

"Charge them that are rich in thisworld, that they be not highminded,nor trust in uncertain riches, but inthe living God, who giveth us richlyall things to enjoy." (1 Tim 6:17)

- LIFE AND GODLINESS. "According asHis Divine power hath given unto usall things that pertain unto life andgodliness, through the knowledge ofHim that hath called us to glory andvirtue." (2 Pet 1:3)

- KNOWLEDGE. "But ye have an unctionfrom the Holy One, and ye know allthings." (1 John 2:20)

DURING THE MINISTRY OF JESUSDuring the ministry of Jesus,

when He “went about doing good, andhealing all that were oppressed of thedevil” (Acts 10:38), men wereintroduced to Divine plentitude. If theywere healed, it is “every whit” (John7:23). If He fed a vast multitude, theywere “all filled” (Lk 9:17). If He sentmen out without taking supplies withthem, they “lacked nothing” (Lk 22:35).If great and needy multitudes followedHim, “He healed them all” (Mark 12:15;Lk 6:19).

IT IS NO DIFFERENT NOWNow, those in Christ Jesus receive

everything that is needed to live godly,and serve the Lord –and it is provided inabundance (Eph 1:4; 2 Pet 1:4). WhenHe walked among men, there was nevera single instance during His ministrywhen something was genuinely andconsciously needed that He could notsuccessfully address – nothing. Hunger,healing, deliverance, instruction, insight,rebuke, etc. – Jesus was always readyand prepared to do what needed to be



THE TOTAL VIEW OF SATAN’S DEMISE 1–ORIGINAL FALL IN THE PAST2–CURRENT DIMINISHMENT OF POWER3–FUTURE FROM THAT TIME TO END OF WORLD ËDESTROYED WHEN JESUS DIED ËWHEN KNOWLEDGE OF GOD COVERS EARTH ËWHEN SATAN CAST INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE

done. This could not historically andcontemporarily be said of any other

person on earth. To see the Lord JesusChrist as a thorough Savior, Provider,

and Keeper is something that isimperative.

I BEHELD SATAN AS LIGHTNING FALL FROM HEAVEN

“ 18 And He said unto them, Ibeheld Satan as lightning fall fromheaven.”

Other versions read, "I waswatching Satan fall from heaven likelightning," NASB "He said to them, Iwatched Satan fall from heaven like aflash of lightning,” NRSV and “I watchedthe opponent [i.e., Satan] falling fromthe sky like a bolt of lightning.” MIT

There are a number of differentways this statement can be viewed:from the past, from the present, andfrom the future. From the past, it wouldrefer to when Satan was originally castout of heaven with His angels, and theyleft the “first estate” (Jude 1:6). This isthe “fall” accented by the prophetsIsaiah (Isa 14:12-14) and Ezekiel (Ezek28:12-18). In these texts, reference ismade to “the king of Babylon” (Isa14:4) and “the king of tyre” (Ezek28:12). Both of these kings weremotivated by the devil, and had he wasat work in them. Therefore, his traitswere found in them. The texts wereaddressed to then, but the entirety ofthe texts were not referring to thempersonally:–i.e. “I will ascend aboveheaven, I will exalt my throne above thestars of God . . . I will be like the MostHigh” (Isa 14:13-14), and “Thou hastbeen in Eden the garden of God . . .Thou art the anointed cherub . . . thouwast upon the holy mountain of God”(Ezek 28:13-14).

- The original fall of Satan and his

angels took place prior to thetemptation in Eden. His approach toEve commenced his efforts toinfluence those upon the earth.

- It was the original fall of Satan thatcreated a situation where theseventy would have power oversome of his hosts. That is why hispower was diminished.

- When Jesus died, He “destroyed”the devil, rendering him utterlypowerless to overcome those whowould be joined to Him. Satan’sinfluence would also be unusuallyrestrained when the knowledge ofthe Lord would “cover the earth asthe waters cover the seas” (Isa 11:9;Hab 2:14). This is pictoriallyportrayed as Satan being throwninto, and confined in, the bottomlesspit for an extended period (Rev 10:1-9).

- Finally, Satan will be consigned tothe lake of fire, with all of his hosts,and all who ignored God’s greatsalvation in preference for thispresent evil world (Rev 20:10-15).

THE REASONINGConcerning our text, it appears to

me that this was a total statement thattook all of the above details into account.

In other words, the reason thedisciples had been successful inexercising power over the demons wastechnically owing to Satan’s kingdombeing deprived of power. Mortals couldnot receive such power if Satan’spower had not already been neutralized.Remember, the devil influenced a thirdpart of the angelic hosts, convincingthem to leave their heavenly “estate.”This is depicted in picture form inRevelation 12:1-11. The symbolicrepresentations are as follows.

- Israel is pictured as “a womanclothed with the sun,” andaccording to promise, bringing fortha “Son,” Jesus Christ (Rev 12:1with Isaiah 9:6-7).

- The preparations for the birth ofJesus are depicted as a woman(Israel), travailing in pain to bedelivered (Rev 12:2).

- The surface of the opposition ofSatan to the birth of Jesus, and hisattempt to destroy him while yet aninfant, depicts him as a “great red dragon” [defined as the one whodrew a third part of the stars pfheaven] posed to devour the holychild as soon as He was born (Rev12:3-4; Matt 2:16).

- The birth of Jesus, His life on earth,His death, resurrection, andascension, are depicted as thewoman (Israel) bringing forth herSon (Jesus) who, after He hadcompleted His work, was “caughtup unto God, and to His throne”(Rev 12:5).

- The “one body,” consisting of Jewsand Gentiles (Eph 2:13-22), areportrayed as “the woman” who fledinto the wilderness where she wouldbe fed during the period ofopposition – “nourished . . . fromthe face of the serpent” (Rev12:6,14).

- The effectiveness of salvation inheaven, is pictured as Michael andhis angels fighting against theserpent, and casting him out ofheaven, so he could no more accusethe people of God before the throne(Rev 12:7-9).

- The period of salvation is thendepicted as coming with “strength,



and the kingdom of God, and thepower of Christ.” This inducted aperiod when the saints overcameSatan “by the blood of the Lamb,and by the word of their testimony;and they loved not their lives untothe death" (Rev 12:11).

- This period is then defined by aheavenly announcement: “Thereforerejoice, ye heavens, and ye thatdwell in them" (Rev 12:12a).

- A woe is then issued to those livingon the earth: "Woe to the inhabitersof the earth and of the sea! for thedevil is come down unto you, havinggreat wrath, because he knoweththat he hath but a short time." (Rev12:12).

- The aggression of the devil to thesaints is seen as him “persecutingthe woman which brought forth theman child" (Rev 12:13).

- The inaccessibility of Satan to thesaints, to destroy them, is pictured as the woman (church) being given “two wings of a great eagle, that

she might fly into the wilderness,into her place, where she isnourished for a time, and times, andhalf a time, from the face of theserpent" (Rev 12:14; James 4:7; 1John 5:18).

- The attempt of Satan to destroy thebody of Christ is seen as wreakingall manner of destruction on theearth. He does not know who theyare, and so casts “out of his mouthwater as a flood after the woman,that he might cause her to be carriedaway of the flood" (Rev 12:15).

- However, his efforts are foiled, asthe brunt of his attack is absorbedby the ungodly. That is seen as theearth helping "the woman, and theearth opened her mouth, andswallowed up the flood which thedragon cast out of his mouth" (Rev12:16).

- Frustrated by his efforts to destroythe people of God, Satan turns hisattention toward the saints that herecognizes, which is set forth as the“dragon” being “wroth with the

woman, and went to make war withthe remnant of her seed, which keepthe commandments of God, andhave the testimony of Jesus Christ" (Rev 12:17; 1 Pet 5:8-9).

In my understanding, Jesusstatement, "I beheld Satan as lightningfall from heaven" (Luke 10:18), isuttered with this panorama of truth inmind. From the beginning of humanhistory until its conclusion, Satan isseen as a defeated, hindered, andfrustrated foe.

Were it not for this condition, thedisciples could not have been given power over demons. This kind of powerwas not seen in any man from thebeginning of history until the ministry ofJesus Christ.

Jesus’ ministry began with anassault on Satan’s domain. The realityof that assault was confirmed by Jesus’ministry, and the effectiveness of thesending forth of the twelve and theseventy. The final confirmation ofSatan’s defeat will be realized when heis cast into the lake of fire.

I GIVE UNTO YOU POWER

“ 19 Behold, I give unto you powerto tread on serpents and scorpions, andover all the power of the enemy: andnothing shall by any means hurt you.”

SOMETHING TO CONSIDERThe conferment of power over the

unseen forces of darkness began withJesus. No one of Scriptural recordpossessed the power to neutralizespiritual forces. Noah could not do it.Moses did not do it. None of theprophets are said to have done it. Noteven John the Baptist did it. None ofthese holy men commanded Satan, ordemons, or any of the forces ofdarkness.

Now comes a Man from heaven,and He repels the initiative of the devilhimself against Him (Matt 4:1-11). He

expels demons and unclean spirits withHis word (Mk 1:25; 5:8; 9:25; Lk 4:35;8:29).

In this text we will see that Jesuscould confer this kind of power uponwhoever He willed. Further, there is nota syllable in Scripture that suggests thisconferment was only intended for abrief period in history.

We also see that during theministry of Jesus He never removed thedevil from the earth, so that he couldno longer work with and within men. Ido not think any man is capable offirmly establishing that as long as thedevil is walking about seeking whom hemay devour (1 Pet 5:8), and as long asthere are such things as doctrines ofdemons (1 Tim 4:1), power against the

devil will no longer be dispensed, orthat “the age of miracles” was everdecreed to be only for a relatively briefseason. Remember, we are dealing herewith the Lord of glory, upon whom Godimposed no limits (John 3:35). The onlyway the miraculous could cease is thateither Jesus no longer has “all power,”or He is now withholding it from thechurch. I do not believe there is anyindividual in all of the world that couldsupport such a postulate.

What is declared here has to dowith the same Jesus we are nowfollowing. He is not subject to change.His power has not lessened – in fact, ithas been increased. The doctrine ofScripture is that this increase of powerand authority is for the sake of thechurch.



SCORPIONS

It is improper to attempt to prove“the age of miracles has past,” becausethey are not noticeably occurring in themodern church – which has largelydeparted from the faith. You cannotestablish the Sovereignty of Christ, orwhat He is or is not doing by examininga dead church! Further, even if menwere to convince us that such could, infact, be established, what advantagewould it give to us?

I GIVE YOU POWER“Behold, I give unto you power...”

Other versions read, “I give youauthority,” NKJV “I have given youauthority.” ASV

I understand this to be powerthrough their word. Just as JesusHimself did, He gave them the power tocommand evil spirits to leave, and nolonger reside in a particular individual.

TO TREAD ON SERPENTS ANDSCORPIONS

“ . . . to tread on serpents andscorpions . . .”

Other versions read, “trample onserpents and scorpions,” NKJV “put yourfeet on snakes and evil beasts,” BBE

“crush snakes and scorpionsunderfoot,” CEB “walk all over snakesand scorpions,” NIRV “walk amongsnakes and scorpions and crush them,”NLT and “walk on snakes andscorpions.” IE

This activity was mentioned by

the Psalmist which we suppose wasDavid: “For He shall give His angelscharge over thee, to keep thee in all thyways. They shall bear thee up in theirhands, lest thou dash thy foot against astone. Thou shalt tread upon the lionand adder: the young lion and thedragon shalt thou trample under feet"(Psa 91:11-13).

When Israel journeyed through thewilderness for forty years, they had tocontend with scorpions. “Then thineheart be lifted up, and thou forget theLORD thy God, which brought theeforth out of the land of Egypt, from thehouse of bondage; Who led theethrough that great and terriblewilderness, wherein were fieryserpents, and scorpions, and drought,where there was no water; whobrought thee forth water out of the rockof flint" (Deut 8:15).

When addressing the prophetEzekiel, the Lord referred to rebelliousIsraelites as “scorpions” – "And they,whether they will hear, or whether theywill forbear, (for they are a rebellioushouse,) yet shall know that there hathbeen a prophet among them. And thou,son of man, be not afraid of them,neither be afraid of their words, thoughbriers and thorns be with thee, andthou dost dwell among scorpions: benot afraid of their words, nor bedismayed at their looks, though they bea rebellious house" (Ezek 2:5-6).

In this text, it seems to me that theLord is gently reminding them that whatthey are able to do should not becomethe cause of their rejoicing. In a kind ofparabolic form He tells them that whatthey have accomplished is strictly owingto what He had done – not what theyhad done. The only reason they weresuccessful was because He had enabledto them to be such.

In the Spirit of Christ, Paulreasoned much the same way with theCorinthians: “For who maketh thee todiffer from another? and what hast thouthat thou didst not receive? now if thoudidst receive it, why dost thou glory, asif thou hadst not received it?" (1 Cor4:7). O, how he gently chided them

with godly sarcasm: "Now ye are full,now ye are rich, ye have reigned askings without us: and I would to God yedid reign, that we also might reign withyou. "For I think that God hath set forthus the apostles last, as it wereappointed to death: for we are made aspectacle unto the world, and to angels,and to men” (1 Cor 4:8-9).

This is how Jesus is responding tothe inordinate joy of the seventy.

OVER ALL THE POWER OF THEENEMY

“. . .and over all the power of theenemy . . .”

The enemy had actually yielded tothe power of Christ, which He hadconferred upon them. Their power wasdelegated power, else the enemy wouldhave triumphed over them.

NOTHING WILL HURT YOU“ . . . and nothing shall by any

means hurt you.”

Other versions read, “and nothingshall injure you,” NASB “nothing will harmyou,” NIV “nothing shall in any wise hurtyou,” ASV “nothing will do you damage,”BBE “you will remain completelyunharmed,” CJB “nothing will ever harmyou,” CSB “I have given you authority . .. that nothing should be able to do youin,” MIT “nothing [you in any way] shallinjure,” APB “Nothing can harm you,”CEV“Nothing will hurt you at all,”GOODSPEED “and nothing shall hurt you, no,never!” LITV and “No one can put a handon you.” MESSAGE

And why were they not onlysuccessful, but the enemy was totallyunable to in any way harm them? It isbecause Jesus had given them power,and their rejoicing had obscured thatfact. The joy they had was related tothe joy the disciples had after seeingthe risen Christ: "And when He hadthus spoken, He showed them Hishands and His feet. And while they yetbelieved not for joy, and wondered . . ."(Luke 24:41).

Those who have been marvelouslydelivered from dead religion and the



traditions of men are subject to thisform of frailty. They can fall prey to ajoy that is experience-centered rather

than being Christ-centered. Experience,however does not outweigh grace. We

dare not rejoice in experience, butrather in what the Lord has done.

NOTWITHSTANDING IN THIS REJOICE NOT

“ 20 Notwithstanding in this rejoicenot, that the spirits are subject untoyou; but rather rejoice, because yournames are written in heaven.”

NOTWITHSTANDING“Notwithstanding . . .”

Other versions read,“however,” NIV

“But yet,” DARBY “Howbeit,” ERV “But,” NLT

“This is true, but,” IE “Furthermore,” ABP

and “All the same” MESSAGE

T h e w o r d t r a n s l a t e d“notwithstanding” {plane},lexicallymeans, “at the beginning of a sentence,serving either to restrict, or to unfoldand expand what has preceded: moreover,besides,” THAYER and “predominately used torestrict a previous statement.” FRIBERG

In other words, it is not that thestatement Jesus is addressing is simplywrong. Rather, it is that there is ahigher consideration through which itmust be, as it were, filtered. There arecontexts, or surrounding verities, inwhich this statement must beconsidered. There are priorities anddefaults in godly reasoning.

Each valid statement must first beharmonious with highest spiritualperspectives–i.e. God’s “eternalpurpose” (Eph 3:11), and “theredemption that is in Christ Jesus”(Rom 3:24). Those are borders ofthought within which every validassessment of human experience orperception of duty must reside.

Jesus will now speak of thoseultimate realities, both of whichconstituted the border within which HeHimself spoke and worked. He will notallow His disciples to unduly accenttheir own experience, which, ofnecessity, dwarfs both the purpose ofGod, and His eternal redemption, which

Jesus came to effect.

There is also textual context,which is included in the “statement.” Itis first within the context of God’seternal purpose, and the redemptionthat is in Christ Jesus. Both of theseinvolve the nature of God. Jesus willmake no statement, or deliver anyteaching, that cannot blend with whoGod is, what He has purposed, andwhat He has accomplished inredemption. If a thought – any thought– contradicts or competes with thosetwo realities, there is not the slightestpossibility that it is true.

An ExampleFor example, the will of God is

presented as the fundamental willdriving everything God says and does. If we ask anything “according to Hiswill,” He will hear us, and our requestswill be honored (1 John 5:14-15). Goddoes “according to His will in the armyof heaven, and among the inhabitantsof the earth" (Dan 4:35). God chosePaul to “know His will” (Acts 22:14).The following poignant and rhetoricalquestion is asked, “Who hath resistedHis will?” (Rom 9:19). God is said tohave “predestinated us unto theadoption of children by Jesus Christ tohimself, according to the good pleasureof His will" (Eph 1:5). In redemption,the thing that is being made known is

“His will” (Eph 1:9). It is affirmed thatGod “worketh all things after thecounsel of His own will” (Eph 1:11).Paul prayed that the church would "befilled with the knowledge of His will inall wisdom and spiritual understanding" (Col 1:9).The thing believers are tofulfill, and what God works in them, is“to do His will.”

The Scriptures never make asingle extended comment about thehuman will, or “will power.” Whatevermen may say, when it comes to beingborn again, the Spirit makes a point ofsaying “Which were born, not of blood,nor of the will of the flesh, nor of thewill of man, but of God" (John 1:13).He also affirms that “it is God whichworketh in you both to will and to do ofHis good pleasure" (Phil 2:13). When itcomes to willingness in regard to man’sattitude toward the Living God, it isaffirmed “Thy people shall be willing inthe day of thy power” (Psa 110:3).

There is no doctrine in theScriptures concerning the human will.There is, however, extensive teachingconcerning the Lord’s will (Dan 4:35;John 5:21; Rom 8:27; 9:18,22; Gal1:4; Eph 1:5; Heb 6:17; 1 Pet 4:19; 2Pet 3:9). Four hundred and eighty seventimes the Scriptures represent Godsaying “I will.” His will is the dominantwill in both heaven and earth.

How can man’s will be thedetermining factor? In view of what hasbeen revealed about both God’s will andman’s will, how can man’s will be thedetermining constituent in thingspertaining to God?

IN THIS REJOICE NOT “ . . . in this rejoice not, that the

spirits are subject unto you . . .”



Ther versions read, “do not beglad,” BBE “don’t be happy,” GWN “shouldnot be the basis of your rejoicing,” MIT

“stop rejoicing because,” ISV and “youmust stop rejoicing over.” WILLIAMS

The meaning is that the discipleswere not to allow the fact that thespirits were subject to them to be thebasis of their joy. Their joy andgladness should be drawn from thespring of the knowledge of God, not thesuccess of their endeavors.

There is a very real joy that isrealized when what we have beencommissioned to do is actually done byus. That joy, however is too shallow tosustain you. If you want a rejoicing thatcontinues “in suffering” (Col 1:24), youmust have a joy that is grounded in theLord Himself. Then, when the devildelivers a thorn that is hard to bear, youcan “most gladly” glory in your“infirmities” (2 Cor 12:9), as well aswhen you are delivered.

BUT RATHER REJOICE“ . . . but rather rejoice, because

your names are written in heaven.”

When it gets right down to it,what you have is more solid than whatyou do. To know that your name is inheaven will mitigate the hardcircumstances of life. It will serve toaccent the fact that life in this world istemporary, while life in the world tocome is permanent.

For those with Christ, their namesare written in “the book of life” – therecord of those who are “alive untoGod” (Rom 6:11). Paul mentioned acluster of fellow laborers “whose nameARE in the book of life” (Phil 4:3).There are individuals of whom Jesussaid, "I will not blot out his name out ofthe book of life, but I will confess hisname before My Father, and before Hisangels" (Rev 3:5). There are also thoseof whom it is written, “whose namesare not written in the book of life ofthe Lamb slain from the foundation of

the world” Rev 13:8; 17:8).

On the great day of judgment, thisbook will be opened, and the namesconfessed before an assembleduniverse (Rev 20:12). Whoever doesnot have his name written in this bookwill be “cast into the lake of fire” (Rev20:15).

By saying the seventy should notrejoice that the spirits were subject tothem, but rather rejoice because theirnames were written in heaven, Jesuswas underscoring an important fact.Their names were not written in heavenbecause the demons were subject tothem. Rather, the demons were subjectto them because their names werewritten in heaven. That is also whythey suffer for His name’s sake (Phil1:29), bear thorns, walk throughvalleys, and are tried. They wereprimarily citizens of heaven. It is thatcircumstance that contributes to theirearthly experiences.

JESUS REJOICED IN SPIRIT

“ 21A In that hour Jesus rejoiced inSpirit, and said, I thank Thee, O Father,Lord of heaven and earth, that Thouhast hid these things from the wise andprudent, and hast revealed them untobabes . . .”

The sensitivity of Jesus Christ tothe Father, and to circumstance as well,is revealed in this text. He saw thingsthat others did not see, and drewconclusions that no one else was ableto draw. This text is an excellentdemonstration of this. The seventyhave just returned, reporting resoundingsuccess, and Jesus has told to them todefer to rejoicing that their names arewritten in heaven. Here is what thatsparked in the Lord Jesus Christ.

IN THAT HOUR“In that hour . . .”

Other versions read, “at that very

time,” NASB “at that time,” NIV “in thesame hour,” ASV “at that very moment,”CEB “immediately,” MIT “on that sameoccasion,” NET “Just at this time,” NJB

and “then.” LIVING

Jesus has sent out the seventy,instructing them how to react to thecity that rejects them. In this instructionHe referred to such cities as those whowould be judged more harshly thanSodom and Gomorrah (Lk 10:12). Hethen unleashed an unparalleled rebuketo Bethsaida, Chorazin, and Capernaum(Lk 10:13-16). It is at this point that theseventy returned, giving their report (Lk10:17). With these things in His mind,what will the Lord say? How will Hereason? How will He speak to HisFather in heaven? This text answersthose questions. It will instruct usconcerning how we should react topeople rejecting Jesus, choosing insteadto remain in sin.

JESUS REJOICED IN SPIRIT “ . . . Jesus rejoiced in Spirit ...”

Other versions read, “rejoicedgreatly in the Holy Spirit,” NASB “full ofjoy through the Holy Spirit,” NIV “rejoicedin the Holy Spirit,” RSV “overflowed withjoy from the Holy Spirit,” CEB “exulted inthe Holy Spirit,” ETH “the Holy Spiritfilled Jesus with joy,” GWN “was filledwith the joy of the Holy Spirit,” NLT “gladin the Spirit,” YLT “the Holy Spirit madeJesus feel very happy,” IE “wasextremely joyful in the Holy Spirit,” ISV

“thrilled with joy in the Holy Spirit,”MONTGOMERY

And what was it that causedJesus to rejoice? What moved the HolySpirit to fill Him with joy? Was it thesuccess of the seventy in assaulting thekingdom of darkness. Was it the factthat some cities did receive them, andthat the Gospel of the kingdom had



been preached? Let us draw near andhear what Jesus says.

I THANK THEE“ . . . and said, I thank Thee, O

Father . . .”

This is a prayer of thanksgiving. Itis not a petition for men. It is not arequest for more success when thedisciples continue to go out. It was notan expression of thankfulness for theblessing the seventy had experienced.

LORD OF HEAVEN AND EARTH“ . . . Lord of heaven and earth...”

Jesus thanks the Father as theOne who is “Lord of heaven and earth”– and these are the domains with whichmen have to do. The Father is the Onewho is Sovereign, over all, and doeswhat is pleasing to Him – The Onewhose will is supreme, and governs theaffairs of this world.

THAT THOU HAST HID THESE THINGS“ . . . that Thou hast hid these

things from the wise and prudent . . .”

Other versions read, “didst hidethese things from the wise andintelligent,” NASB “hidden these thingsfrom the wise and learned,” NIV “fromthe wise and understanding,” RSV “keptthese things secret from the wise andthe men of learning,” BBE “concealedthese things from the sophisticated andeducated,” CJB “concealed theseconcepts from sophisticates andintellectuals,” MIT “from those who thinkthemselves wise and clever,” NLT “fromthe wise and experts,” ABP and“concealed these things [relating tosalvation] from the wise andunderstanding and learned.” AMPLIFIED

THE WISE AND THE PRUDENTThe “wise and the prudent” are

those who only possess “the wisdom ofthis world” (1 Cor 3:19). They mighthave an extensive amount of that kindof wisdom, but it will not give them aweightless mote of advantage when itcomes to understanding the things ofGod. Notwithstanding the opinions ofmen, the more of this world’s wisdomthat you possess, the more you have to

overcome in order to comprehend thethings of God. The reason for this isquite clear. The wisdom of this world isreally considered “foolishness” by God(1 Cor 3:19). It neither begins norconcludes with God. It makes noprovision for “the Lord’s Christ,” doesnot acknowledge that humanity in itsentirety has been “made sinners” (Rom5:19), and requires a God-ordainedremedy (1 Tim 1:15). The wisdom ofthis world does not see the necessityfor the Holy Spirit in true understanding(1 Cor 2:10). It does not affirm thenecessity of preparing for the world tocome (Lk 18:29-30), and does notembrace the thought that men areanswerable to God for their lives,thoughts, and deeds (Matt 12:36; Acts17:31; Rom 14:12). It does notacknowledge the reality of the day ofjudgment (2 Pet 2:9; 3:7), an exaltedand reigning Christ (Acts 2:33; 5:31;Phil 2:9), or that there is a uniquepeople who have been delivered andtaught by God (Gal 1:3; Col 1:13; 1Thess 1:10). It cannot even lisp thewords “present evil world” (Gal 1:4). Itrefuses to accept the need for arighteousness that comes from God(Matt 6:33; Rom 3:22; 2 Cor 5:21; Phil3:9). It does not teach that there is adevil (Eph 4:27; 6:11; 2 Tim 2:26; 1Pet 5:8), as well as principalities andpowers in heavenly places that areopposed to the godly (Eph 6:12).

A person can graduate withhonors, and with a prestigious title,from any secular university withoutbelieving in God or His Christ, withoutbelieving the Gospel, and withoutacknowledging the reality of sin or theneed for righteousness. Successfullymeeting all of the requirements of sucha university does not include embracingwhat God has said about righteousness,temperance, and judgment to come(Acts 24:25). It is quite acceptable inthat surrounding to be an adulterer, asodomite, and a hater of God. Thatschool will attempt to teach one how tolive, using improper standards, but willnot teach them how to die.

Now, I ask you, exactly what arethe advantages of receiving thecommendation of such institutions? To

me, that is something to think about.

THOU HAST HID THESE THINGSThis accounts for why men reject

Christ, refuse to hear Him, refuse toobey Him, refuse to submit to Him. It iswhy some cities did not receive someof the seventy. It accounts for therobtuseness of Bethsaida, Chorazin, andCapernaum. It will account for thereaction of the people before Him whenHe delivers the requirements forobtaining eternal life. It also accountsfor the reactions of men in our time tothe Word. The following texts allpostulate that those involves have beenexposed to the truth.

- Wresting the Word of God (2 Pet3:16).

- Denying “the power” of godliness (2Tim 3:5).

- Denying “the Lord who boughtthem” (2 Pet 2:1).

- Having the “understanding darkened”(Eph 4:18).

- Not receiving “the love of the truth”(2 Thess 2:10).

- Preachers and teachers notunderstanding what they “say” or“affirm” (1 Tim 1:7).

- Being “ignorant of God’srighteousness” (Rom 10:3).

- The “ignorance of foolish men” (1Pet 2"15).

- Being “willingly ignorant”(2 Pet 3:5).- Those embracing “foolish questions,

and genealogies, and contentions,and strivings about the law" (Titus3:9).

- Those who preach “another Jesus,”“another spirit,” and “anothergospel” (2 Cor 11:4; Gal 1:6).

- Those who “could not believe”(John 12:39).

As difficult as it may be toreceive, there are some people Goddoes not want to know the truth. Heactually purposefully and effectivelysends them delusion. It is not withoutcause – but sometimes He does notdivulge the cause to men. It is Hisdecision that allows Satan to “blind theminds” of them that “believe not” (2Cor 4:4; 2 Thess 2:10-12).

Men who refuse to hear and obey



the truth, choose to live close to theworld, take no delight in the word ofGod, and spurn Jesus, do not realizethe position they are in. These are thekind of people upon which God poursout the spirit of “deep sleep” (Isa29:10-11; Acts 28:26-27). Those whoaffirm there is no sin from which mencannot recover simply do not knowwhat they are talking about. They needto be “put to silence” (Tit 1:11; 1 Pet2:15).

But we must not overlook the factthat Jesus thanks God for thiscircumstance, that He has “hid thesethings from the wise and the prudent.”This is the same Jesus who will weepover Jerusalem because it was in thecircumstance to which He is referring(Lk 19:44).

Jesus is not rejoicing that thepeople are in such a miserable state,but because this was a judgment ofGod – and there is a vast differencebetween the two. He was rejoicing thatGod did not give His pearls to swine!

If these things are notcomprehended, it is not because theyare too deep, but it is because God has

hidden them from the wise and prudent.No amount of education or disciplinedlearning can offset this hiding.

AND REVEALED THEM UNTO BABES“ . . . and hast revealed them unto

babes . . .”

Other versions read, “revealedthem to little children,” NIV “revealedthem to infants,” NRSV “made them clearto little children,” BBE “shown them tobabies,” CEB revealed them to ordinarypeople,” CJB “to those of a childlikedisposition,” MIT “to the childlike,” NAB “tosimple ones,” ABP “to these innocentnewcomers,” MESSAGE and “to babes (thec h i l d i s h , u n s k i l l e d , a n duntaught).”AMPLIFIED

It is important to remember thatJesus is speaking to the Father, not tothe multitudes. Even though some ofthe people, particularly His disciples,may have heard Him say these things,they were not the ones to whom Hewas now speaking.

Because He was speaking to HisFather, He was not using veiled orparabolic language. If ever there was

“pure language” it is found in Jesusspeaking to the Father.

He is not speaking of ”children” asthe world uses that word. Neither,indeed, is it equivalent with terms like“simpleton,” or a person lacking incommon sense.

This is speaking of children in theKingdom – those who have not yetmatured in spiritual life. He isconfirming that while being a childspiritually has its jeopardies (Eph 4:14),in Christ no person is locked into thatstate. Such a person can learn, grow,and advance in spiritual understanding.

What Jesus is saying is that, inspiritual life, even a beginner cancomprehend the things that are hiddenfrom the wise and prudent. For thosewho can perceive it, this has happenedin our assembly. People who are new-borns, so to speak, have been able toreceive some of the “deep things.”

This accounts for why those whohave truly believed were ofteninstructed in very profound things – likethe Thessalonians (1 Thess 2:13;4:13,19; 5:1-10,23).

IT SEEMED GOOD IN THE FATHER’S SIGHT

“ 21B . . . even so, Father; for so itseemed good in Thy sight.”

EVEN SO“. . . even so Father . . .”

Other versions read, “Yes,” NASB

“for so,” ASV “Indeed,” CEB “Father, Iconcur with your doing.” MIT

The word translated “even so”means, “verily, truly, assuredly, even so;it is responsive and confirmatory of thesubstance of some question or statement,”THAYER “as denoting assent or agreementyes,” FRIBERG “emphatic affirmation of astatement.” LOUW-NIDA

This involves more than saying

“that is the truth.” This is an affirmationof emphatic agreement. Jesus is gladthat this is the case, and that is why Heis rejoicing in the Spirit. He is notgrieved by the fact that God has hiddensuch precious things from some people.

IT SEEMED“ . . . for so it seemed . . .”

Other versions read, “thus it was,”NASB “this was,” NIV “such was,” NRSV and“for so it was.” ASV

Jesus is referring to the precisestatement concerning the action of theFather – hiding these things from thewise and the prudent, and revealingthem unto babes.

GOOD IN THY SIGHT“. . . good in Thy sight.”

Other versions read, “well-pleasingin Your sight,” NASB “this was Your goodpleasure,” NIV “such was Your graciouswill,” NRSV “emphatic affirmation of astatement,” MIT “it pleased you to do itthis way,” NLT and“for such was Yourgracious will and choice and goodpleasure.” AMPLIFIED

God did not hide these things fromthe wise and the prudent simplybecause He had to do so, or because itwas proper – it because it pleased Himto do so–i.e. He wanted to do so.Because “The LORD is righteous in allHis ways, and holy in all His works"



(Psa 145:17), He not only doeswhatever He pleases, but He isrighteous and holy in doing so.

That is reason enough to concurwith His judgments! To question them iswrong, and will not be excused. God willovercome when He is judged – before an

assembled universe (Rom 3:4). He is“not a man” (Num 23:19), and is not tobe judged as though He was.

In our time there are manymisrepresentations of God being placedbefore the people because He is notcomprehended or understood. An

ignorance of God gives birth to suchmisconceptions, which views put one indanger of eternal judgment. God willnot tolerate being misrepresented, forsuch a thing not only obscures Him, butalso puts His great salvation beyond thereach of those who are deceived!

ALL THINGS ARE DELIVERED TO JESUS

“ 22A All things are delivered to Meof My Father: . . .”

Other versions read, “All thingshave been handed over to Me by MyFather . . .” NASB “committed to Me,” NIV

“given to Me,” BBE “handed overeverything to Me,” CJB “been entrustedto Me,” CSB “I am the Agent of MyFather in everything,” LIVING “All thingshave been given over into My power byMy Father.” AMPLIFIED

If everything has been given toJesus, then there is no valid distributionof truth, power, promises, or gifts thatdoes not come through Him. There is no

such thing as a distributor of truth thathas not been commissioned and sent byJesus. Nothing essential to salvation,overcoming the world, or delivering theGospel can come by means of someperson or plan that is not sent directlyby Jesus. There is no plan,organization, or person that can dowhat Jesus does, or give what Hegives. As simplistic as that may seem,there are increasing numbers of men,organizations, and programs that claimto be valid means of being and doingwhat the Lord requires. If everythinghas been given into Jesus’ hands, andif the church is His fulness (Eph 1:23),being “complete in Him” (Col 2:10),

then there is no truth in such claims.They ought not to be embraced asthough they were Divine provision.

As ought to be evident, there is nochance that this is some kind ofoverstatement. This is a very preciseaffirmation of the way things really are.

This same statement is recordedin Matthew 11:27. There, thestatement is followed by that wellknown invitation, “Come unto Me, allye that labor and are heavy laden, andI will give you rest" (Matt 11:28). Thatis one of the things He does with theauthority the Father has given to Him.

NO MAN KNOWS WHO THE SON IS

“ 22B . . . and no man knowethwho the Son is, but the Father . . .”

Other versions read: “ . . . and noone knows who the Son is except theFather . . . ” NKJV “no one hasknowledge of the Son, but only theFather,” BBE “no one fully knows whothe Son is except the Father,” CJB “Noone perceives the identity of the sonexcept His father,” MIT and “The Fatheris the only one who knows who theSon is.” NIRV

Matthew’s account reads, “All thingsare delivered unto Me of My Father: andno man knoweth the Son, but theFather" (Matt 11:27).

You may be deceived into thinking

that you can come to identify the realSon of God on your own – but that isonly a delusion. In this statement Jesushas spoken the precise unvarying truth.

This whole matter is complicatedby a multiplicity of Christ’s. Jesus said“false Christ’s” would arise: "For thereshall arise false Christs, and falseprophets, and shall show great signsand wonders; insomuch that, if it werepossible, they shall deceive the veryelect" (Matt 24:24; Mk 13:22). He saidthat some would come in His namesaying, “I am Christ” (Matt 24:5; Mk13:6; Lk 21:8).The church in Corinthhad been subject to “another Jesus,”and had been led astray by that Jesus(2 Cor 11:4).

How will men be able todistinguish the real Christ – the genuineSon of God? God will send ministers,through whom men will believe on thereal Jesus (1 Cor 3:5; Rom 10:14).

Be sure of this. Men will not bedelivered by a false Christ (Gal 1:4).They will not be made accepted in aJesus who is not genuine (Eph 1:6).The true circumcision will not beaccomplished by a false Christ (Col2:12). A false Christ will not makeeffective intercession for the people(Heb 7:25), or bring them to God (1 Pet3:18).

While great care must be taken inthis area, it is quote possible that theapparent absence of the work of Christ



in the nominal church is owing to theabsence of the real Jesus. When He is

received (John 1:12), He always does what He has been appointed to do.

NO MAN KNOWS WHO THE FATHER IS

“ 22C . . . and who the Father is,but the Son, and he to whom the Sonwill reveal Him.”

NO ONE KNOWS WHO THE FATHER IS Other versions read, “save the

Son,” ASV “knowledge of the Father.” BBE

This is why Jesus said, “I am theway, the truth, and the life: no mancometh unto the Father, but by Me"(John 14:6). This is not merely a legalpoint. It is a necessity. No person cangrope his way to the real God, wadingthrough the mass of false god’s thathave been raised up by men, and thedelusions of the devil.

HE TO WHOM THE SON WILL REVEALHIM

“ . . . and he to whom the Sonwill reveal Him."

Other versions read, “wills toreveal Him,” NKJV “chooses to revealHim,” NIV “will make it clear,” BBE “wishesto reveal Him,” CJB “desires to revealHim,” CSB “is pleased to reveal Him,”DARBY “is willing to reveal Him,” GWN

“those whom the Son chooses to tell,”IE and “chooses to make Him known.”WILLIAMS

There is a sterling example ofwhat it means for the Father to haveplaced all things in the hands of Jesus.He is the One who brings us to the trueGod (1 Pet 3:18), and the One whoteaches us of Him (1 John 5:20), so

that we can acquaint ourselves with heAlmighty, and be at peace (Job 22:21).

And, who is it to whom Jesuswills to reveal who the Father is?Matthew’s Gospel answers the questionin the verse immediately following:“Come unto Me, all ye that labor andare heavy laden, and I will give yourest. Take My yoke upon you, and learnof [from] Me; for I am meek and lowlyin heart: and ye shall find rest unto yoursouls. For My yoke is easy, and Myburden is light." (Matt 11:28-30).

Jesus will reveal the identity ofthe Father to any and every one who isweary and heavy laden, and will cometo Him for rest.

BLESSED ARE THE EYES WHICH SEE

“ 23 And He turned Him unto Hisdisciples, and said privately, Blessed arethe eyes which see the things that yesee.”

HE SPEAKS WITH HIS DISCIPLESPRIVATELY

“And He turned Him unto Hisdisciples, and said privately . . .”

There are things Jesus says to Hisdisciples that He does not say toanyone else (Matt 15:32; 16:24; 26:1; Mk 9:31; Lk 6:20-49; John 13-16.Frequently, He was with His disciples“privately” (Matt 24:3; Mk 6:32; 9:28;Mk 13:3; Lk 10:23).

BLESSED ARE THE EYES WHICH SEE

“ . . . Blessed are the eyes whichsee the things that ye see.”

Other versions read, “How blessedare the eyes that see what you areseeing!” CJB “The eyes witnessing whatyou see have been blessed,” MIT “Howprivileged you are to see what you haveseen,” LIVING “You are really blessed to seewhat you see!” CEV “How fortunate youare to see the things you see!” GNB and“Blessed (happy, to be envied) are thosewhose eyes see what you see!” AMPLIFIED

It is wonderful to hear the Saviorspeak of eyes that have been blessed tosee great and unusual things. Whowould be able to enumerate all of thosemarvelous things: His powerful

peaching, His many miracles, Histransfiguration, Him walking on thestormy waters, and seeing Him feedthousands. They heard Him in thesynagogues, and in the Temple, sawHim raise the dead, cleanse the Temple,etc. We are blessed to read about Himgoing about “doing good, and healing allwho were oppressed of the devil.” Theireyes were blessed in seeing thosethings.

Prior to Jesus, for hundreds ofyears, no eyes had seen the kind ornumber of things Jesus did. Now, thedisciples were seeing them on a dailybasis. It was necessary for Jesus to tellthem that their eyes were beingblessed. They were privileged.

MANY PROPHETS AND KINGS HAVE DESIRED TO SEE



Our next Hungry Saints Meeting will be held on Friday, 4/15/16. In our next lesson, we will continue our series in theGospel of Luke. The THIRTY-SEVENTH lesson will cover verses 25 thru 37 of chapter 10: “THE ACCOUNT OF THEGOOD SAMARITAN.” A lawyer tempts Jesus asking what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus asked him how heread the Law, upon which the lawyer asked “Who is my neighbor.” The account of the good Samaritan is Jesus’ answerto his question. Our meeting will begin at 6:30 P.M. You are invited to bring your family and friends for fellowship aroundthe Word of God. Refreshments are served afterward, with a time of extended fellowship for everyone.

“ 24 For I tell you, that many prophetsand kings have desired to see thosethings which ye see, and have not seenthem; and to hear those things whichye hear, and have not heard them."

The dispensing of Divine knowledgeis strictly controlled by heaven. Menmay desire it, yet not obtain it becauseof the times – as with many prophetsand kings of old. They were notablemen, but their nobility could not obtainthese sights and sounds for them. Theywere living during times of preparation.

MANY PROPHETS AND KINGSDESIRED TO HEAR

“For I tell you, that many prophetsand kings have desired to see thosethings which ye see, and have not seenthem . . .”

MANY PROPHETS AND KINGSDESIRED TO HEAR

“ . . . and to hear those thingswhich ye hear, and have not heardthem."

Peter says of the prophets whospoke of the coming Christ, “Of whichsalvation the prophets have inquiredand searched diligently, who prophesiedof the grace that should come unto you:Searching what, or what manner oftime the Spirit of Christ which was inthem did signify, when it testifiedbeforehand the sufferings of Christ, andthe glory that should follow. Untowhom it was revealed, that not untothemselves, but unto us they didminister the things, which are nowreported unto you by them that havepreached the gospel unto you with theHoly Ghost sent down from heaven;which things the angels desire to lookinto" (1 Pet 1:11-12).

Although they earnestly wanted toknow more about “the grace thatshould come,” and although they madea diligent search concerning what wassignified by the suffering Savior and theglory that would result from thosesufferings, all of their efforts were invain – and they were “holy prophets”

(Acts 3:21; 2 Pet 3:2). God graciouslyrevealed to them that their ministry wasnot for themselves or their generation.Rather, it was for those to whom theGospel would be preached, with theHoly Spirit sent down from heaven. Andif we marvel that prophets could notdiscern the glory of this message, holyangels desire to look into it.

The ministry of the Lord JesusChrist among men was the introductionto the day of salvation, and the glory ofDivine power defeating the devil andestablishing righteousness within men.

Now, in order that the disciplesmight know the magnitude of whatthey were given to see and hear, and ofthe unique privilege vouchsafed tothem, He reveals to them the longingsof holy prophets of old.

In the past, the most noble men inthe race of men did not see and hearwhat the least do now.


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