Satan Promises Jesus the World!

Day 4 Matthew 8-10


 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor.  “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’

 For the third temptation, Satan takes Jesus to a high mountain and offers him the “whole enchilada”, all the kingdoms of the world. But there is also a proviso, “All this I will give you, IF you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus rebukes Satan directly and commands him to leave. While in the first temptation, the devil tempts Jesus with desire, the second with pride, in this third test, he uses greed. But to give in to greed, Jesus would have to bow down and worship the devil. Jesus again quotes scripture and the first commandment to decimate the devil’s plan.  At the root of all temptation is an offer to bow down and worship the things of the world, which the devil rules.  We worship things that we feel will satisfy us. But there is a God-shaped hole in our soul that only God can fill. As you seek God in deeper ways this Lent, realize how good it is to put Him on the throne of your life.
Jesus, the things of this world tempt us to worship something other than you. They promise the fulfillment and joy that only you can provide for us. God, we worship you alone, for you alone are worthy of our adoration. In Your name, Amen.

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