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

Saturday, February 21, 2015

Then the devil took Jesus and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. The devil said to Jesus, "I will make you king over all these places. You will have power over them and will get all the glory. It has all been given to me. I can give it to any person I want. I will give it all to you, if you will only worship me." Jesus answered, "It is written {in the Scriptures }: 'You must worship the Lord your God. Serve only him!'"
— Luke 4:5-8
Illustration of Luke 4:5-8 — "I will make you king over all these places."

Key Thought

This is a great demonstration of Jesus' love for us because his crucifixion would not have happened if he had not resisted the devil here. He is offered a shortcut to world dominion, one that would not require his suffering and death. Yet he chooses the long hard road that leads to Golgotha because of his love for us. Jesus will not compromise on this one truth of truths—only God is to be worshiped and honored as God! No matter the risks, costs, or consequences, Jesus reminds 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 whole-heartedly and without rival. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Today's Verses in Context

Jesus returned from the Jordan River. He was full of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit led Jesus into the desert. There the devil tempted Jesus for 40 days. Jesus ate nothing during that time. When those days were finished, Jesus was very hungry. The devil said to Jesus, "If you are the Son of God, tell this rock to become bread." Jesus answered, "It is written {in the Scriptures }: 'It is not just food that keeps people alive.'" Then the devil took Jesus and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. The devil said to Jesus, "I will make you king over all these places. You will have power over them and will get all the glory. It has all been given to me. I can give it to any person I want. I will give it all to you, if you will only worship me." Jesus answered, "It is written {in the Scriptures }: 'You must worship the Lord your God. Serve only him!'" Then the devil led Jesus to Jerusalem. The devil put Jesus on a very high place of the temple. He said to Jesus, "If you are the Son of God, jump off! It is written {in the Scriptures }: 'God will command his angels to take care of you.' It is also written: 'Their hands will catch you so that you will not hit your foot on a rock.'" Jesus answered, "But it also says {in the Scriptures }: 'You must not test (doubt) the Lord your God.'" The devil finished tempting Jesus in every way and went away to wait until a better time.

Luke 4:1-13

Related Scripture Readings

You must follow the Lord your God! Respect him. Obey the Lord's commands, and do what he tells you. Serve the Lord, and never leave him!

Deuteronomy 13:4

Then a teacher of the law stood up. He was trying to test Jesus. He said, "Teacher, what must I do to get life forever?" Jesus said to him, "What is written in the law? What do you understand from it?" The man answered, "'You must love the Lord your God. You must love him with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.' Also, 'You must love other people the same as you love yourself.' " Jesus said to him, "Your answer is right. Do this and you will have life forever."

Luke 10:25-28

So, dear children, keep yourselves away from false gods.

1 John 5:21

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

Easy-to-Read Version copyright © 2001 by World Bible Translation Center. All rights reserved.

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