What Jesus Did! 'Shortcut or Suffering' — Luke 4:5-8

Tuesday, February 21, 2023

[Continuing his temptation of Jesus,] the devil took him up and revealed to him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. "I will give you the glory of these kingdoms and authority over them," the devil said, "because they are mine to give to anyone I please. I will give it all to you if you will worship me."

Jesus replied, "The Scriptures say, 'You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.'"

— Luke 4:5-8 NLT

Key Thought

These verses give us a great demonstration of Jesus' love for us because his crucifixion would not have happened if he had not resisted the devil here. He was offered a shortcut to world dominion, one that would not require his suffering and death. Yet, because of his love for us, he chose the long hard road that led to Golgotha. Jesus would not compromise on this preeminent truth - only God is to be worshiped and honored as God! No matter the risks, costs, or consequences, Jesus reminded us that we are to serve God alone!

Today's Prayer

Father in heaven, only you are the one true living God whose love endures from one generation to another. Give me an undivided heart to serve you wholeheartedly and without rival. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

2 Related Resources by Heartlight

Tested True
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Beloved, Temptation. You face it. It is hard. The devil makes sure that the temptation is presented at just the right time, appealing to just..."
More Than What's in The Sacred Page
Article by Phil Ware
When Jesus was hungry, alone, and had been contemplating his mission that would end on a cross, Satan's temptations were quite enticing! Phil Ware shares very frank and clear teaching about how Jesus resisted temptation and reminds us that simply knowing the Bible is not enough to win the war with Satan.

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 4:5-8 NLT — "The Scriptures say, 'You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.'"

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Tuesday, February 21, 2023

Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'My Youth is Renewed' (Ps. 103:1-5)
"Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Philip Yancey:
"The people of God are not merely to mark time, waiting for God to step in and set right all that is wrong. Rather, they are to model the new heaven and new..."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 8:13
"To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
James 1:2-3
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!