Authority Over Demons

Luke 9:1
Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases.

In this passage of scripture, Jesus sends out His first group people to act as His representatives...to act as His witnesses.  This is a group of 12 men that were his followers.  He gave them some instructions, and He also gave them some equipment.  Part of this equipment was power and authority over all demons.

They went out and did what Jesus had been doing...healed the sick, cast out demons, and preached the good news.

In the next chapter of Luke's gospel, we see the next part of the story.  Jesus sends out new group.

Luke 10:17-20
17  Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name."
18  And He said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.
19  Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
20  Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven."

Here Jesus sent out His second team.  This was a group of 70 of His followers.  He gave them a similar set of instructions, and He also gave them the exact same equipment...including power and authority over all demons.

Notice two things in this passage (emphasis mine)
1 - The people say this:  "...the demons are subject to US in Your name."
2 - Jesus says this:  "...the spirits are subject to YOU..."

The spirits are not only subject to Jesus, but they are also subject to this group of of His followers.  These people are never called apostles or prophets or anything "special." Actually, their names are not even mentioned.  These are simply people that are believing what Jesus is saying, and then acting on it according to His instructions.  Authority over demons is not reserved for those holding a religious title or position.

Mark 16:15-17
15  And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.
16  He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.
17  And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;

In this third passage, Jesus speaks to all of His followers.  This is part of what is called "the great commission."  It is given to all Christians.  Notice that Jesus gives us the same equipment that He gave the 12 and the 70.  We are given power and authority over all demons.  Demons are to be subject to all believers in His name.  This is for "those who believe."  This is not just for priests, pastors, bishops, etc.  This is for each one of us that is born again.

We have been given the permission, the right, and the power to drive out demons in the name of Jesus.  We should never be afraid of any demons.  They should be afraid of us.  We have been given authority over them by the King of the Universe...the LORD Jesus Christ.