Jesus, tempted by the devil (2) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

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.

Jesus, tempted by the devil (2)
In the first temptation Satan attempted to find a starting-point in Jesus' physical needs to tempt Him to sin.

In the second temptation Satan offered the Lord world leadership. This had already been promised to Christ in the Old Testament (cf. Daniel 7:13.14). The devil lied in asserting that this authority had been granted to him; he assumed the right to pass it on. He had no right to such authority: he had attained power over mankind through sin. He completely overlooked the fact that God stands and rules over all.

The devil's condition was that Jesus should worship him. Satan had always envied God for the honour and worship He received.

Jesus again based His reply on the Word of God: "It is written " He permits nothing to intervene between Himself and God. On the issue of world government, the Lord waits until God Himself hands it over to Him (cf. Psalm 110:1.2).

Here, too, Christ's suffering temptation is an example for believers. In this world we should only strive for and accept what we can gratefully receive from God's hand.

(to be concluded tomorrow)

Today's reading: Isaiah 10:1-34 · Acts 24:1-9