The answer is: Jesus

Luke 10:19

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus empowers his followers with a remarkable promise: that they will have the authority to overcome the foes symbolized by serpents and scorpions. This isn’t just about slipping on a pesky snake in your backyard; in biblical times, both creatures were often viewed as representations of evil or evil forces. They dive deep into a rich tapestry of spiritual significance found in ancient cultures.

This promise, found in Luke 10:19, arrives after Jesus sends out the seventy-two disciples to preach and heal, signifying the onset of God's reign on Earth. By instructing them they can tread on serpents and scorpions, Jesus encourages them to be brave as they engage in their mission against hostility and fear. It's an expression of divine empowerment!

Remember in Psalm 91, there’s also a verse about trampling lions and snakes, echoing this protected authority from harm when one walks closely with the divine. It's intriguing how these themes weave together throughout scripture, giving layers to our understanding of God's presence and support.

Interestingly, in ancient times, both snakes and scorpions appeared in literature that warned of danger, which means Jesus’ promise amplified the sharp distinction between followers' experiences of life and the threats posed by malevolent forces. Reflecting on this, we see this bravery not only as a physical challenge but more importantly, as an encouragement to confront spiritual adversities in daily life.