Luke 4:5
And the deuil taking him vp into an high mountaine, shewed vnto him all the kingdomes of the world in a moment of time. Luke 4:5 (KJV)
Luke 4:5 is part of the account of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness. In this passage Jesus has just been baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit. He is led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where He fasts for forty days and is tempted by the devil.
In this particular temptation the devil takes Jesus up to a high mountain and shows Him all the kingdoms of the world in an instant. It is important to note that this temptation occurs before Jesus began His earthly ministry. The devil is trying to entice Jesus and appeal to His human nature by offering Him all the power and glory of the world’s kingdoms.
The power and authority of the devil are highlighted by His ability to display the kingdoms, suggesting that, to some extent, he has influence over them. Scripture refers to the devil as the “prince of this world” (John 12:31) and the “god of this age” (2 Corinthians 4:4), yet his power remains limited and ultimately subject to God’s sovereignty.
The temptation to compromise is evident: the devil offers Jesus a shortcut to His mission, proposing immediate power and authority without the suffering, rejection, and crucifixion that lay ahead. This is an attempt to divert Jesus from God’s plan and to compromise His redemptive work.
Jesus’ response is decisive. He quotes Scripture, saying, “Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve” (Luke 4:8). His reply demonstrates complete obedience to God and an unwillingness to compromise His divine purpose.
The passage teaches the importance of staying true to God’s calling and resisting temptation. It also showcases Jesus’ unwavering commitment to fulfilling the Father’s will, regardless of the allure of worldly power and authority.
Overall, Luke 4:5 reminds believers that the devil is a tempter who seeks to divert us from God’s plan. By relying on God’s Word, remaining steadfast in faith, and worshiping and serving God alone, we can overcome temptation and walk in obedience, just as Jesus did.
