Matthew 4:8-12

⁸ Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.

⁹ And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.”

¹⁰ Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘ You shall worship the Lord your God and you shall serve him only.'”

¹¹ Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.

¹² And after hearing that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. _________________________________________

no short cuts

Satan had first thought he could exploit Jesus’ hunger, but he discovered that Jesus wanted to obey God’s word more than eat.

Next, Satan had thought he could exploit Jesus’ dependence upon the word of God, but he discovered that Jesus would not be fooled by a misquote.

Here, the tempter thought he could get Jesus to sidestep the hard parts and go straight to God’s ultimate will. Jesus knew he would some day rule the nations. Satan offered him that without the cross. The only catch – Jesus would get the kingdoms through worshipping Satan. He sent the tempter packing.

Jesus, give us the wisdom to follow your will all the way, and not to take shortcuts.