Definition: And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.
Explanation: Okay, letâs break down this passage from Luke 4:5. Itâs a really significant and dramatic statement about Jesusâs ministry! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says that at the very beginning of his journey, Jesus was shown all the power and control over the world â everything â by the devil. Letâs unpack that a little further: âThe devil, taking him up into an high mountainâ: This is a symbolic way of saying the devil was trying to stop Jesus. He's often depicted as a powerful opponent, and this imagery represents a challenge to Jesusâs mission. âShewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.â This is the key part. âKingdoms of the worldâ means everything â nations, governments, empires, religions, even the laws and customs that govern people. The devil was showing Jesus everything that could happen on Earth at that instant! Itâs like saying, "Everything you've ever dreamed of, everything you've ever envisioned, is happening right now." So, what does this mean in a broader sense? It suggests: Jesus was incredibly powerful: He wasn't just a good man; he possessed a kind of divine strength that could overcome anything. He was being tested: The devilâs power is a challenge to Jesus. It shows that the forces of evil are trying to thwart his efforts. Itâs about the future: This event wasn't just happening in one moment; it was showing the potential for significant change and conflict across the globe. Important Note: This story is often interpreted as a sign that Jesus would be victorious over evil, and that he would ultimately defeat Satan. It highlights his promise to fight against darkness. Do you want me to delve deeper into any aspect of this passage? For example, we could talk about: The symbolism of the mountain What the devil actually represents in biblical stories How this story connects to Jesusâs future ministry