And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, showed to him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.
taking.
Mark 4:8,9 And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred…
1 Corinthians 7:31 And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.
Ephesians 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
in.
Job 20:5 That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment?
Psalm 73:19 How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.
1 Corinthians 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
and showed Him in an instant
The phrase "in an instant" suggests a supernatural vision rather than a physical journey. This momentary revelation implies the devil's attempt to overwhelm Jesus with the grandeur and allure of worldly power. The immediacy of the vision contrasts with the eternal nature of God's kingdom, highlighting the fleeting and deceptive nature of earthly power. This aligns with the devil's character as a deceiver, as seen in Genesis 3:1-5, where he uses half-truths to tempt Eve.
all the kingdoms of the world
This phrase encompasses the entirety of human political and cultural power structures. The kingdoms represent not just geographical territories but also the systems and authorities that govern them. Historically, this would include the Roman Empire, which dominated the known world at the time. Theologically, it reflects the devil's claim to authority over earthly realms, a claim that Jesus later refutes through His death and resurrection (Matthew 28:18). This temptation echoes the promise of dominion given to Adam, which was marred by sin, and foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of God's kingdom through Christ (Revelation 11:15).
- Scripture presents the devil as a real, personal being who actively opposes God and His people (Job 1:6–7; 1 Peter 5:8).
- The verse sets a clear antagonist for Jesus. Just as the serpent tempted Eve (Genesis 3:1–6), the devil now confronts the second Adam (Romans 5:17).
- By naming him “the devil,” Luke underscores the spiritual battle behind every temptation (Ephesians 6:12).
- The action is deliberate: the devil “led” Jesus. God permits the encounter, yet the devil is the immediate actor (Matthew 4:1 parallels show Jesus was “led by the Spirit…to be tempted”).
- Jesus goes willingly, reaffirming His submission to the Father’s plan (John 10:18).
- This movement emphasizes that temptation can meet us even after spiritual victory—Jesus had just been affirmed at His baptism (Luke 3:21-22).
- High places in Scripture often signify moments of revelation or testing: Moses on Sinai (Exodus 19), Elijah on Carmel (1 Kings 18).
- The elevation allows an expansive view, symbolizing the seeming greatness of earthly power (Psalm 2:2-3).
- Being “above” can tempt one toward pride—precisely the devil’s original downfall (Isaiah 14:13-14).
- Temptation frequently begins with a presentation to the senses (Genesis 3:6, “the woman saw that the tree was good”).
- The devil uses visual appeal to stir desire, but sight without truth is deceptive (2 Corinthians 11:14).
- Jesus, the Light of the world (John 8:12), sees beyond the surface allure.
- The devil flashes the kingdoms before Jesus, compressing time to heighten impact. Temptation often presses for rapid decisions, discouraging prayerful reflection (Proverbs 19:2).
- This “instant” contrasts with God’s patient unfolding of His kingdom (2 Peter 3:8-9).
- Satan’s urgency reveals the hollow nature of his offer—quick but fleeting (Hebrews 11:25).
- The scope is global; Satan offers what he claims as his (Luke 4:6), yet ultimate authority belongs to God alone (Psalm 24:1; Daniel 4:34-35).
- The devil tempts Jesus with political dominion without the cross, a shortcut that would bypass redemption (Philippians 2:8-11).
- Jesus later receives “all authority in heaven and on earth” legitimately, after His resurrection (Matthew 28:18).
Luke 4:5 records a real, historical confrontation in which the devil lures Jesus with a breathtaking vision of earthly power. Each phrase exposes layers of the enemy’s strategy—inviting pride, offering shortcuts, pressing for hurried decisions—while highlighting Jesus’ steadfast obedience. The verse reminds believers that temptations may be dramatic, sensory, and swift, yet God’s Word, sovereignty, and eternal plan far outweigh every fleeting offer of the evil one.
(5) The kingdoms of the world.--St. Luke uses the word (literally, the inhabited world) which was commonly used as co-extensive with the Roman empire. On the difference in the order of the temptations, see Note on Matthew 4:5.In a moment of time.--The concentration of what seems an almost endless succession of images into the consciousness of a moment is eminently characteristic of the activity of the human soul in the state of ecstasy or vision.
Verse 5. - And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, showed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. This temptation was something more than "offering to One who had lived as a village carpenter the throne of the world." It appealed to his ambition certainly, but in Jesus' case it was a high, pure, sinless ambition. This much he certainly knew already, that he was destined to rule over men from pole to pole. It was for him a righteous longing, this desire to have the heathen for his inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth as his possession. No false ambition was this in Jesus, this desire to realize the glorious Messianic hope. Again, how typical a temptation! All ranks and orders are often soon tempted here. A noble end as they think, and in the beauty of the goal they forget that the road leading to it is paved with evil and wrong.