Surveying the Land

 ⁵ And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, ⁶ and said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. ⁷ If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” ⁸ And Jesus answered him, “It is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve’” (Luke 4:5-8, ESV). 

Over the summer we took a family vacation to Disney World.  Disney Pin Trading for us was just fun, but for others it’s a big deal, a really big deal!  They held a large convention that weekend.  People paid a lot of money just to reserve their spot for trading let alone what they have purchased in pins.  The Disney Staff all have pin necklaces to trade with kids and they will trade anything the kid’s want.  They are not aloud to ask for certain pins they have to accept any trade offered.  There are also other guests within the park that may approach you for a pin trade.  Some just trade because they may like a certain pin and make fair trades.  However some are serious traders, they know what pins are limited edition and their value.  Honestly, I’m not so convinced they were offering to trade a pin of comparison.  It’s kind of like Satan’s offer to Jesus.

Just before Jesus started his ministry, the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world.  Can you just picture it?  The devil standing there with Jesus surveying the land, maybe even outstretching his hand from left to right while he is talking, all this could be yours in a moment.  As he continues to sweeten the offer, I will give you all this authority and their glory.  Just one condition, bow down to me. 

Ironically Satan was trying to offer Jesus a lesser trade.  The kingdoms of the world and his limited authority HAD ALREADY BEEN GIVEN TO JESUS AND MORE!!  ¹⁸ And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me (Matthew 28:18, ESV).  Not only did Jesus have it on the earth but in heaven too!  Talk about an unfair trade! 

Of course Jesus wouldn’t fall victim to his con artist skills and/or conniving tactics.  And so Jesus responds with the word of God, “You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.”  Jesus was clear on His mission and could not be bought.  Satan will opposes God’s will, but Jesus’ mind was set to do God’s will and would not wavier from the plan. 

Even with his disciples, we see this with Peter.  Jesus tells the disciples about his coming death. ²² And Peter took him (Jesus) aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” ²³ But he (Jesus) turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man” (Matthew 16:22-23, ESV).  Although Peter had good intentions he did not understand God’s will. But Jesus knew!

We can be assured if Satan tempted Jesus, he will certainly try to tempt us.  As we look at this scripture there are a couple things to be watchful of: 

First, Satan promises the world.  He may put out a real good temptation, but realize in Christ, it’s not even comparable to what God has already promised and given us.  Second, there’s always a price, a very hefty price to pay by bargaining with the devil.  What will it profit to gain the whole world and forfeit your soul?  (Matthew 16:28)

Jesus has set the example to counter against Satan’s temptation.  He used the word of God to counteract Satan’s deception.  Aligning Himself to the Father’s will, He came to serve and proceeded forward with His mission.  Whose mission are we seeking to accomplish, Satan’s, our own, or God’s?  Do we need to realign ourselves with God’s will?

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 

Grant us hearts to worship you and serve you alone. 

Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

May we seek your kingdom, your will here on earth and in our lives.

Give us this day our daily bread,

Jesus said, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”  Today may we take time to be in your word.

and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

Forgive us our sins, the willing sins, the unknown sins, and even the sins of good intentions that are not yours.  And because you have forgiven us, we too can forgive others. 

 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Open our eyes that we may not fall into temptation.  May Satan and his evil spirits release their grip upon us.  Deliver us, so that we may do Your will here on earth!  Amen.