Definition: 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;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Matthew 4:8. It's a pretty interesting and symbolic description! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes Jesus Christ experiencing a very difficult and intense test – being lifted up incredibly high into the sky. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Matthew 4” : This refers to the fourth chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, which tells us about Jesus' journey beginning in the wilderness. “The devil taketh him up…” : This is key! The "devil" isn’t just a person; it represents evil and opposition. “Taketh” means takes something away. So, the devil is taking Jesus up into the sky. “…into an exceeding high mountain…” : This doesn't mean a literal mountain – it’s a metaphor for something incredibly difficult and challenging. It’s being placed in a place that’s very far away and difficult to reach. “Exceeding high” emphasizes how far he is elevated. “…and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world…” : This is where it gets really significant. The devil is showing Jesus everything – all the different nations, countries, and political systems that exist on Earth. It's like a giant map of the world, showing his vast scope and power. “…and the glory of them” : The "glory" refers to the power and influence of these kingdoms. The devil is demonstrating how powerful and influential these earthly realms are. What’s it really about? This passage is often interpreted as a preview of Jesus' future struggles against evil and Satan. It suggests: Jesus will face opposition: The devil wants to thwart Jesus' mission to spread the gospel (the good news). Jesus will be tested beyond measure: The journey into the sky symbolizes a time of intense testing and struggle. Jesus is preparing for his ultimate victory: This is a sign that Jesus is rising up to fight against evil and ultimately triumph over it all. In short, it’s a powerful description of a significant trial for Jesus, highlighting his future battles against darkness. --- Do you want me to: Explain this passage in more detail? Give you some related Bible stories or teachings that relate to this verse?