The Life and Ministry of Jesus
Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said to Him, “All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. Therefore, if You will worship before me, all will be Yours.” And Jesus answered and said to him, “Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ” Luke 4:5–8
The second temptation Luke recorded was an appeal to Jesus to be in control of all the kingdoms of the world. The condition was that Jesus must worship (“bend the knee to”) the devil. Though Jesus would have world rulership, He would be depending on Satan—rather than on God the Father and His plan. Jesus again referred to Moses to combat a temptation. Moses warned the people about their attitude when they finally were to get into the land and achieve some glory and dominion. The temptation for them would be to praise themselves and forget to worship God. Jesus, by quoting the verse, showed that He would not make that mistake. 1
Personal Encouragement
Why is it so hard to worship Jesus after Sunday service? Why do so many think that the two hours on Sunday is all His, and the rest of the week is all mine? Why are we tempted to take credit for things He has provided for us?
As it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:31
Worship is expressing our complete dependency upon Jesus, always.
A Prayer
Lord, please forgive me for taking the glory that belongs to You only.
1. Walvoord, John F., & Zuck, R. B., Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
