Luke 4:7

If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.

Luke 4:7 (KJV)

Context

This verse belongs to the account of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness. After fasting for forty days, the devil took Jesus to a high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. The devil then claimed, “All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it” (Luke 4:6). On that basis, he made the offer recorded in Luke 4:7.

Meaning

The devil’s words reveal both his character and the nature of his temptation. He audaciously sought worship for himself, even from the Son of God, exposing his proud desire to be honored as God. His claim that the world’s authority was “delivered unto me” indicates a present but limited influence over the kingdoms of this fallen world. The offer was enticing, yet it demanded the ultimate betrayal: worship of the creature rather than the Creator.

Biblical connections

Jesus’ response, recorded in Luke 4:8, is a direct rejection: “Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” By quoting Deuteronomy 6:13, Jesus affirmed that worship belongs to God alone. The parallel account in Matthew 4:9 states the offer similarly: “All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.” Both accounts reinforce the same truth: no gift, however great, may be accepted at the cost of compromising allegiance to God.

Application

The temptation to gain power and authority appeals to the desire for worldly success and influence. It reminds us that the pursuit of power can be a subtle and dangerous temptation, even for those committed to following God. The devil’s deceptive claim to absolute authority is false; ultimately, God holds all power and authority over creation. Jesus’ firm rejection demonstrates His unwavering commitment to the Father’s will and provides an example for believers. By relying on Scripture, we can overcome temptations by knowing and applying God’s Word to our lives.

Reflection

Worship is to be reserved for God alone. Jesus’ response underscores the importance of maintaining loyalty and devotion to God, not succumbing to the temptation to worship anything or anyone else. His victory over this temptation shows that the exclusive worship of God and the rejection of any substitute, no matter how attractive, is the path of faithfulness.