The Story - Chapter 23 - Jesus' Ministry Begins

We are told to be wary of Satan, for he is cunning.  We are warned to watch out for his evil ways as he is the great deceiver, but I am not seeing that in these verses on temptation.

Sure, I know that he can fool me; that Satan can and will again pull the proverbial wool over my eyes, no doubt about it.  But, did he really think he could fool Jesus?  In the verses below, Satan is working to tempt Jesus with something He already has.  Satan is trying to give Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 

 Matthew 4:8-10 (NIV) 
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.'"  


Jesus created all these things.  He gave them to us to enjoy. I realized this morning as I was reading my Bible before getting my day started, that Satan was trying to give the world to Jesus in exchange for Jesus' worship.  Satan did not understand his master.  There is no bartering for salvation, no negotiating for redemption.  They are free for the taking.  God's grace covers it all.  When I come before the throne and beg for God to rescue me, I can consider it done!

We are not held hostage to Satan's future, we are free in Christ.  No deal making necessary; it is a done deal.

Read Matthew 4 here

Listen to Matthew 4 here