Living High

Living High

Luke 4:9-12, NLT

Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! 10For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect and guard you. 11And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’” 12Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the LORD your God.’”

Setting the Scene

In this final temptation, Satan took Jesus to the top of the Temple, the tallest building in the area. The “highest point of the Temple” probably would have been the corner wall that jutted out of the hillside, overlooking the valley below.

Satan changed his tactics as he tried to appeal to ego, to pride. He challenged Jesus to prove his identity, to show the world that he was God’s Son. “Do something spectacular,” Satan was saying. “Make a grand entrance to let everyone know who you are! You’re more than a carpenter’s son—you are the Son of God! You’ll be famous. Display your power!” And what a great show it would have been: Jesus hurtling toward the ground but rescued dramatically, at the last moment, by angels!

This temptation epitomizes the third category of what “the world offers”—pride in who we are and what we have done (1 John 2:16). This was another blatant attempt to sidetrack Jesus from fulfilling his purpose, which was to humble “himself in obedience to God” and die “a criminal’s death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8, NLT).

Jesus rebuffed this temptation by affirming his deity as he quoted Deuteronomy 6:16: “You must not test the LORD your God” (NLT).

Getting Personal

Why might this suggestion by Satan have been tempting at this stage in Jesus’ life?

What temptations do you face that involve pride?

When might you have to humble yourself for God’s sake?

The appeal to pride is a huge temptation in our society. Everyone seems to be seeking the spotlight, trying to gain that moment of fame, to be the next big thing, to be a star. Many people, even believers, will compromise their morals, values, faith, and goals to fulfill this lust for popularity, significance, and fame.

Jesus’ way is humility, and he promises that “those who are last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last” (Matthew 20:16, NLT). Many of the most “insignificant” people in this world will be great in Christ’s Kingdom. What matters is how we measure up to God’s standards, not the world’s.

Talking to God

Before the Lord, examine your own pursuits of popularity or relevance. Ask God to shift your personal longings to a strong desire for his glory and his purposes in the world.