What does Luke 4:5 mean?

And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. Luke 4:5

Explanation

Luke 4:5 presents a scene during the temptation of Jesus by the devil following Jesus’ 40-day fast in the wilderness. In this verse, the devil shows Jesus all the kingdoms of the world in an instant. The literal interpretation of the verse suggests that the devil is offering Jesus worldly power and dominion, in exchange for worship or allegiance. The deeper meaning revolves around the temptation of material and political glory as opposed to spiritual fidelity and the Kingdom of God. This temptation addresses the human inclination towards power and the allure of immediate gratification, contrasting it with the virtues of patience, humility, and spiritual focus.

Historical Context

The Gospel of Luke is believed to have been written between 60 and 90 AD, and like the other Synoptic Gospels, it provides an account of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. During this period, the Judean people were living under Roman occupation, and the idea of a messiah who would claim worldly power and free Israel was a common hope. Jesus’ rejection of such power in this temptation narrative would have stood in stark contrast to contemporary expectations of the messiah as a political or military leader.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse can be interpreted differently across Christian denominations. A traditional viewpoint suggests that the devil’s offer is a false promise since only God has the authority to grant such power and Jesus, being the Son of God, already has ultimate sovereignty. A Christological insight emphasizes this event as a representation of Jesus’ messianic identity and his mission to establish a spiritual kingdom, rejecting earthly kingdoms and power. Furthermore, it reflects the Christian belief in the presence of evil and its attempts to divert believers from their devotion to God.

Practical Applications

This verse highlights the virtue of resisting temptation. In practical terms, it serves as a reminder that people are often faced with choices between immediate benefits and morally correct actions that may require sacrifice or delayed gratification. In daily life, this can translate to situations at work, in personal relationships, or even in terms of ambitions and goals, where the right choice may not be the easiest or most appealing. It encourages introspection about one’s values and long-term commitments.

Cross-References

• Matthew 4:8-10: “Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.”
• James 1:14: “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.”
• 1 John 2:16: “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”

Language Study

The key terms in the original Greek text of Luke 4:5 include:

• “Diabolos” (διάβολος): Translated as “the devil,” indicating an adversary or accuser.
• “Anagoge” (ἀνήγαγεν): Translated as “taking up,” which often means a physical elevation but metaphorically can signify a move towards something prestigious or significant.
• “Oros” (ὄρος): Means “mountain” and can symbolize a place of important revelation or temptation.
• “En stigmi” (ἐν στιγμῇ): Translated as “in a moment,” signifying an instantaneous event.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of being offered domination of the world can be likened to numerous myths and religious narratives that feature tests of character and the rejection of worldly power. For example, in Buddhism, Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) faces similar temptations under the Bodhi tree before reaching enlightenment. In some ways, these stories share the theme of the spiritual leader rejecting temporal power in favor of a higher, spiritual calling.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the literal interpretation of seeing all the world’s kingdoms in a moment is not feasible due to the vastness of the earth and the limits of human perception. If interpreted metaphorically, cognitive and behavioral sciences may shed light on the nature of temptations and the human tendency to seek immediate reward, despite potentially negative long-term consequences.

Commentaries

Commentators of the Bible give various perspectives on this verse. Matthew Henry sees it as part of Satan’s ploy, showcasing the kingdoms of the earth in their utmost splendor to entice Jesus. Henry notes that while the kingdoms were not Satan’s to give, his offer was designed to create the illusion of power. John Calvin speaks of the deceitfulness of sin and the devil’s use of visual grandeur to tempt Christ. Contemporary scholarship might look at this passage symbolically, discussing the internal battle against spiritual compromises in pursuit of earthly gains.