Verse
Context
Sermons
Zac PoonenZac Poonen
Bill McLeod
Richard Baxter
Warren Wiersbe
T. Austin-SparksT. Austin-SparksSummary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Again, the devil taketh him up--"conducteth him," as before. into--or "unto" an exceeding high mountain, and showeth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them--Luke (Luk 4:5) adds the important clause, "in a moment of time"; a clause which seems to furnish a key to the true meaning. That a scene was presented to our Lord's natural eye seems plainly expressed. But to limit this to the most extensive scene which the natural eye could take in, is to give a sense to the expression, "all the kingdoms of the world," quite violent. It remains, then, to gather from the expression, "in a moment of time"-- which manifestly is intended to intimate some supernatural operation--that it was permitted to the tempter to extend preternaturally for a moment our Lord's range of vision, and throw a "glory" or glitter over the scene of vision: a thing not inconsistent with the analogy of other scriptural statements regarding the permitted operations of the wicked one. In this case, the "exceeding height" of the "mountain" from which this sight was beheld would favor the effect to be produced.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And saith unto him, all these things will I give thee.... This is more fully and strongly expressed by the Evangelist Luke. Luk 4:6. And the devil said unto him, 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--all shall be thine. In which words he sets up himself to be the God of this world, and the sovereign disposer of it: he pretends it was delivered to him by the true God, who had left it to his arbitrary disposal; and that he could invest Christ with the power and government of it, and put him in possession of all its glory, and make good and support his title to it, and interest in it. Never was such monstrous arrogance expressed as this; when this poor, proud, wretched creature, has not the disposal, at his pleasure, of anyone single thing; no not the least in the whole universe. He could not touch, neither Job's person, nor any of his substance, without divine permission; nor enter into an herd of swine without Christ's leave; and yet had the front to make an offer of the whole world, as if he had a despotic power over it; and that upon this horrid and blasphemous condition, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. This was the highest degree of effrontery and impudence. The devil is not content to be worshipped by men, but seeks for adoration from the Son of God: this opens at once his proud, ambitious, and aspiring views, to be as God himself; for with nothing less can he be satisfied.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:8-9 Satan, called the ruler of this world (John 12:31), offered to hand over all the kingdoms of the world and their glory to Jesus to keep him from accomplishing the will of his Father. • Glory refers to political power and dominion (e.g., Matt 6:29). Satan’s strategy was to get Jesus to abuse his sonship, thus diverting him from the path of suffering and obedience that climaxed at the cross.
The Temptation of Jesus
7Jesus replied, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ”8Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.9“All this I will give You,” he said, “if You will fall down and worship me.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Idolatry Is to Love the World
By Zac Poonen2.0K59:42IdolatryGEN 2:24PSA 45:10MAT 4:8MAT 6:33JHN 16:32EPH 5:30In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being free from the pressure to please others and conform to worldly patterns. They highlight how the world dictates certain patterns in various aspects of life, such as appearance and behavior. The speaker also discusses the proper use of money, comparing it to fire that can be either a servant or a master. They caution against becoming slaves to money or any other worldly desires. The sermon concludes with the reminder that our ultimate allegiance should be to God, and when we give Him the central place in our hearts, we can live a truly free and purposeful life.
The Inner Life
By Zac Poonen2.0K58:10Overcoming the WorldInner LifeInner Life in ChristMAT 4:8Zac Poonen emphasizes the significance of the inner life in the New Covenant, contrasting it with the Old Covenant's external standards. He explains that overcoming the world, which is ruled by the devil, is a key aspect of the New Covenant, and that true victory comes from living in the world without being influenced by it. Poonen highlights Jesus as the ultimate example of this, who lived among people yet remained untainted by worldly desires. He encourages believers to recognize their spiritual poverty and dependence on God, urging them to seek the Holy Spirit's power to live a life that reflects the teachings of Jesus, particularly as outlined in the Sermon on the Mount. The sermon concludes with a call to action for Christians to embody these principles in their daily lives.
Christ Is All - in Scripture
By Bill McLeod1.6K46:28Fulness Of ChristPSA 2:10PSA 40:7PSA 41:9MAT 1:21MAT 28:19MRK 14:62COL 3:11TIT 3:7PHM 1:1In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Mark 16 and Luke 1 from the Bible. He highlights how Jesus reproached his disciples for their lack of belief in his resurrection and then commanded them to preach the gospel to the world. The speaker also mentions that some versions of the Bible omit miracles and end with Jesus' death on the cross, portraying him as a good man and advocate of peace. However, the speaker emphasizes that the Bible is truly all about Jesus and explores the significance of his ministry and his role as the Son of God.
The Suburbs of Heaven
By Richard Baxter2NEH 6:3PSA 27:13JER 2:32MAT 4:8MAT 6:9MAT 6:21JHN 20:29COL 3:21JN 2:15Richard Baxter preaches about the importance of setting our hearts and minds on heavenly things, emphasizing the need to focus on eternity and the joy of dwelling with God. He urges believers to meditate on heaven's delights, resist temptations through heavenly-mindedness, and find comfort in afflictions by fixing their thoughts on the eternal rest promised by God. Baxter highlights that a heart set upon heaven is evidence of sincerity, a defense against sin, and a source of increased love and joy, ultimately leading to a more fruitful Christian life and honoring God.
Four Voices: Part 2
By Warren Wiersbe1PSA 2:7PSA 2:12MAT 4:8ACT 16:31ROM 5:17Warren Wiersbe preaches about the different voices we hear in the world, emphasizing God the Son's declaration through His decrees and reign as King. He highlights the importance of recognizing Jesus Christ as God's Son and the authority He holds over the nations. Wiersbe also discusses the voice of decision from the Holy Spirit, urging believers to seek wisdom and instruction from God rather than worldly disciplines. He emphasizes the need to serve the Lord, be reconciled through Christ, and trust in Him for salvation.
The Setting and Background of the Issue
By T. Austin-Sparks0Spiritual WarfareWorshipMAT 4:8T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the ultimate issue of worship in the universe, asserting that it is the central theme of spiritual history and the reason for creation. He explains that true worship is not merely a ritual but a profound spiritual engagement that acknowledges God as the sole object of worship, free from any rival. The sermon highlights the cosmic conflict between God and the forces that challenge His supremacy, illustrating that the essence of worship is tied to the recognition of God's authority and the Lamb's redemptive work. Sparks encourages believers to understand their role in this spiritual battle and the importance of the Holy Spirit in enabling true worship. Ultimately, he concludes that God desires to be all in all, and worship is the means through which this divine purpose is fulfilled.
The Relatedness of All Else
By T. Austin-Sparks0Christian LifeWorshipMAT 4:8REV 21:22REV 22:3T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the ultimate issue of worship in the universe, linking it to the relationship between God, the Lamb, and the absence of the curse. He explains that all aspects of the Bible and Christian life must be viewed through the lens of worship, which is the central theme that connects every doctrine and practice. Sparks warns against the tendency to isolate biblical truths from their ultimate purpose, which is to glorify God and affirm His supremacy. He highlights that true Christian service and experience are rooted in the acknowledgment of God's rights and the rejection of any mixture that detracts from pure worship. Ultimately, the sermon calls believers to recognize that every action and belief should lead to a greater worship of God, as He is the temple and the focus of all creation.
Compared View of the First Three Gospels, Etc.
By John Nelson Darby0The GospelsChrist's MinistryMAT 1:1MAT 4:17MAT 5:1MAT 9:35MAT 11:28MAT 28:19MRK 1:14LUK 3:23LUK 4:18John Nelson Darby discusses the distinct characteristics and purposes of the first three Gospels, emphasizing that Mark presents a chronological account of Christ's service, while Matthew focuses on the presentation of Jesus as the Messiah and the implications of His rejection. He notes that Luke, while generally following Mark's order, includes moral teachings that are unique to his Gospel. Darby highlights the importance of understanding the genealogies and the context of Christ's ministry, particularly in relation to Israel's expectations and the establishment of the church. He concludes that the Gospels collectively reveal the nature of Christ's mission and the unfolding of God's plan for humanity.
The Church's Vocation
By T. Austin-Sparks0Spiritual WarfareThe Church's VocationMAT 4:1MAT 4:8T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the Church's vocation as standing firm against the temptations and pressures of the Evil One, drawing parallels between Jesus' temptation in the wilderness and the Church's role in prayer. He highlights the importance of recognizing the true nature of God's kingdom, power, and glory, which are often hidden and not displayed like the ostentatious offers of the enemy. The sermon calls believers to maintain their testimony and faith in God's eternal promises, resisting the allure of immediate gratification that leads away from God's ultimate purpose. Sparks encourages the Church to occupy a prayerful position, standing in the gap for God's rights against the adversary's claims. Ultimately, he asserts that the Church's mission is to uphold the truth that God's kingdom, power, and glory belong to Him forever.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Again, the devil taketh him up--"conducteth him," as before. into--or "unto" an exceeding high mountain, and showeth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them--Luke (Luk 4:5) adds the important clause, "in a moment of time"; a clause which seems to furnish a key to the true meaning. That a scene was presented to our Lord's natural eye seems plainly expressed. But to limit this to the most extensive scene which the natural eye could take in, is to give a sense to the expression, "all the kingdoms of the world," quite violent. It remains, then, to gather from the expression, "in a moment of time"-- which manifestly is intended to intimate some supernatural operation--that it was permitted to the tempter to extend preternaturally for a moment our Lord's range of vision, and throw a "glory" or glitter over the scene of vision: a thing not inconsistent with the analogy of other scriptural statements regarding the permitted operations of the wicked one. In this case, the "exceeding height" of the "mountain" from which this sight was beheld would favor the effect to be produced.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And saith unto him, all these things will I give thee.... This is more fully and strongly expressed by the Evangelist Luke. Luk 4:6. And the devil said unto him, 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--all shall be thine. In which words he sets up himself to be the God of this world, and the sovereign disposer of it: he pretends it was delivered to him by the true God, who had left it to his arbitrary disposal; and that he could invest Christ with the power and government of it, and put him in possession of all its glory, and make good and support his title to it, and interest in it. Never was such monstrous arrogance expressed as this; when this poor, proud, wretched creature, has not the disposal, at his pleasure, of anyone single thing; no not the least in the whole universe. He could not touch, neither Job's person, nor any of his substance, without divine permission; nor enter into an herd of swine without Christ's leave; and yet had the front to make an offer of the whole world, as if he had a despotic power over it; and that upon this horrid and blasphemous condition, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. This was the highest degree of effrontery and impudence. The devil is not content to be worshipped by men, but seeks for adoration from the Son of God: this opens at once his proud, ambitious, and aspiring views, to be as God himself; for with nothing less can he be satisfied.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:8-9 Satan, called the ruler of this world (John 12:31), offered to hand over all the kingdoms of the world and their glory to Jesus to keep him from accomplishing the will of his Father. • Glory refers to political power and dominion (e.g., Matt 6:29). Satan’s strategy was to get Jesus to abuse his sonship, thus diverting him from the path of suffering and obedience that climaxed at the cross.