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.'"

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

  • Deuteronomy 13:4
  • Luke 10:25-28
  • 1 John 5:21

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

2 Related Resources by Heartlight

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

The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
"Locusts always keep their rank, and although their number is legion, they do not crowd upon each other, so as to throw their columns into confusion......"
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
"Dear Lover of God, During My earthly ministry, I was asked: "which commandment is the greatest?" (Matthew 22:36). Quoting Old Testament Scriptures,....."
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
"But now, this is what the LORD says — he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name;..."
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
"We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments."

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.