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Brian Mashburn
November 29, 2009
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Which Splendor Do You Want?
"The devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 'All this I will give you,' he said, 'if you will bow down and worship me." (Mt. 4:8-9)
What would it have meant to be given "all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor?"
Would it have meant a Jesus who turned the Temple into a King's Palace, where he would have a throne from which he would have ruled? He could have dictated rules of law, collected taxes, built up his power and glory through military might.
Would it have meant a Jesus who turned Jerusalem into a luxurious display of what money and human ingenuity can provide in terms of social life, entertainment, and high living? Ha! Imagine Jesus sitting at home bored on Friday night with nothing to do, scanning the internet for the best restaurant and movie to go to because he's bored.
What is the "splendor" of the world that the devil offers?
Whatever it is, it is the fruit of taking a knee to Satan, and according to Jesus, the price was too high. Jesus replied, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'" (vs. 10)
Do you ever wonder what it would be like to be able to buy anything in the world you want? Do ever wonder what it would be like to be in some high position of authority among men? Do you ever wish that it was okay to indulge every single impulse or desire you ever have without any negative consequences?
That pretty much sums up the splendor of the world. And the devil makes the same offer to you that he made to Jesus: "This I will give you, if you will bow down and worship me."
Jesus said no. Of all the men who have ever lived, if anyone could have said yes and handled it in a way that God would've desired, it would have been Jesus.
But he said no. You should, too. To say yes, even partially, would steal from you full life.
So, say no. Then say yes to the way of Jesus. Then experience the twin splendors of freedom from torment and love from heaven, just as Jesus did when he said no and "the devil left him, and angels came and attended him." (vs. 11)