17. The 70 disciples came back very happy. They said, “Lord, even demons obey us when we use the power and authority of your name!”
18. Jesus said to them, “I watched Satan fall from heaven like lightning.
19. I have given you the authority to trample snakes and scorpions and to destroy the enemy’s power. Nothing will hurt you.
20. However, don’t be happy that evil spirits obey you. Be happy that your names are written in heaven.”
21. In that hour the Holy Spirit filled Jesus with joy. Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for hiding these things from wise and intelligent people and revealing them to little children. Yes, Father, this is what pleased you.
22. “My Father has turned everything over to me. Only the Father knows who the Son is. And no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son is willing to reveal him.”
23. He turned to his disciples in private and said to them, “How blessed you are to see what you’ve seen.