Luke 4:6 – “And he said to him, ‘I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to.'”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, the devil continues to tempt Jesus by offering Him all the authority and splendor of the world’s kingdoms. The implication is clear: the devil claims he has the power to hand over worldly power and glory to whomever he chooses. He presents Jesus with an opportunity for immediate rule and recognition without suffering, rejection, or the cross.
However, this offer was deceptive. While Satan does have influence in the world (1 John 5:19 calls him the “evil one” who has control over much of the world’s systems), he does not have ultimate authority. God alone holds true dominion over creation. The devil’s strategy here is to tempt Jesus to take a shortcut—to gain the glory of ruling the world without going through the suffering and obedience required by God’s plan.
At its core, this temptation is about compromise. The devil suggests that Jesus could still achieve a similar result—ruling over the nations—by stepping outside of God’s will.
Historical Context
The Jews of Jesus’ time were longing for a Messiah who would establish a powerful earthly kingdom. They were under Roman oppression, and many expected the Messiah to be a political leader who would free them and rule with authority. The idea of Jesus gaining authority over all the kingdoms would have appealed to this expectation.
However, Jesus came to establish a different kind of kingdom. His mission wasn’t to take political control or to rule through military power. He came to bring a spiritual kingdom—the Kingdom of God—characterized by righteousness, peace, and eternal life (Luke 17:20-21). The devil’s offer was, in part, an appeal to that common expectation, but Jesus rejected it because His kingdom was rooted in obedience to God, not earthly ambition.
Theological Implications
This verse reveals that the devil often tempts us by offering shortcuts or appealing to our desires for power, comfort, and success. He promises things that seem good on the surface, but they come at the cost of disobeying God. The devil’s offer was a lie. While he may have some limited authority in this world, his power is temporary and subject to God’s ultimate control.
Jesus’ rejection of the devil’s offer highlights the importance of submission to God’s will. True authority and glory come not through compromise or ambition but through obedience and trust in God. For Christians, this means rejecting any path that seems easier but leads us away from faithfulness to God.
Literary Analysis
The structure of this verse reveals the devil’s manipulation. He presents himself as a figure of great power, emphasizing the word “I” to suggest he has full control: “I will give,” “it has been given to me,” “I can give it.” His language is self-centered and deceptive, aiming to make Jesus believe that submitting to him is the key to success.
This verse also serves to highlight the contrast between worldly power and the kind of authority that Jesus came to demonstrate. Worldly power is about control, wealth, and status, but the authority Jesus demonstrated was rooted in humility, service, and obedience to God.
Biblical Cross-References
- Matthew 4:8-9 – The parallel passage in Matthew includes the same offer of power in exchange for worshiping the devil.
- John 12:31 – Jesus refers to Satan as the “prince of this world,” acknowledging his temporary influence.
- Daniel 7:14 – This passage describes the ultimate authority given to the Messiah, which comes from God, not from any earthly source.
- Revelation 11:15 – The kingdoms of the world will one day be fully and permanently under the reign of Christ.
- 1 John 5:19 – The world is under the control of the evil one, but that control is limited and temporary.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse warns Christians about the dangers of seeking worldly success or authority at the cost of spiritual compromise. The devil often tempts us by offering things that seem good—wealth, status, power—but if they require disobedience to God, they lead to spiritual ruin.
For today’s believer, this verse is a call to trust God’s timing and His plan. We may face opportunities that seem attractive, but if they come with strings attached that pull us away from God, we must reject them. Just as Jesus prioritized obedience over instant gratification, we are called to do the same.
This verse also reminds us that the devil’s promises are empty. The authority and splendor he offers are fleeting, but God’s rewards are eternal.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen in the fact that He provides for our needs in His perfect timing. Unlike the devil, who offers temporary solutions that lead to destruction, God offers eternal life, true joy, and everlasting authority with Christ (2 Timothy 2:12). God’s love ensures that His plan for our lives is good, even when it involves waiting or hardship.
By resisting the devil’s offer, Jesus showed His complete trust in God’s love and provision. He knew that God’s plan, though difficult, would ultimately lead to eternal glory—not just for Him but for all who believe in Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus’ rejection of the devil’s offer is a key moment in His mission to save humanity. Where Adam failed by giving in to temptation (Genesis 3:1-6), Jesus succeeded by remaining obedient to God. His victory over this temptation foreshadows His ultimate victory over sin and death on the cross.
Jesus’ authority didn’t come through compromise or shortcuts. It came through His perfect obedience, which led to His resurrection and exaltation. As Philippians 2:9-11 explains, God gave Jesus “the name that is above every name” because He humbled Himself and obeyed God, even to the point of death.
This verse also points forward to the day when Jesus will return to rule over all the kingdoms of the world, not by accepting the devil’s offer but through His victory as the risen King (Revelation 19:16).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What worldly “authority” or “splendor” are you tempted to seek in your life?
- How can you discern when an opportunity is from God or when it might be a temptation to compromise your faith?
- In what ways does trusting God’s plan challenge you when the world offers easier paths?
- How can Jesus’ example in this verse encourage you to remain faithful when faced with tough decisions?
- What does this verse teach you about the difference between worldly success and eternal reward?