Luke 4:11 - and, ‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest perhaps you dash your foot against a stone.’” Psalm 91:11-12
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What does "Luke 4:11" mean?
The verse you quoted, Psalm 91:11-12, is quoted in Luke 4:11 during the temptation of Jesus. Let's break down the meaning in both contexts:
Psalm 91:11-12 (in its original context):
Verse 11: "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;" This speaks to God's protection and care for those who trust in him. God will send his angels to watch over and protect them.
Verse 12: "On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone." This is a metaphorical image. It suggests that the angels will provide such diligent protection that even minor mishaps (like stubbing your toe on a stone) will be avoided. The "stone" represents potential harm, danger, or obstacles in life. The angels act as a buffer, preventing even small hurts from befalling the person trusting in God.
Luke 4:11 (The Temptation of Jesus):
In the Gospel of Luke, Satan quotes this verse to Jesus during one of the temptations in the wilderness. Satan's argument is this:
1. If you are truly the Son of God, you have a right to claim this divine protection.
2. Therefore, throw yourself down from the highest point of the Temple.
3. God must fulfill his promise by sending angels to catch you and prevent you from being harmed.
Satan's Intention and Misinterpretation:
Misinterpretation of Scripture: Satan is taking the verse out of context and twisting its meaning. Psalm 91 speaks of God's protection for those who are walking in obedience and trusting in him. It is not a promise that allows for reckless behavior or testing God's faithfulness through dangerous stunts.
Temptation to Presumption: Satan is tempting Jesus to presume upon God's grace. To presume is to assume entitlement to God's favor, rather than humbly receiving it through faith and obedience. It's akin to saying, "God owes me this."
Temptation to Pride: Throwing himself off the temple would be a public display of power and a challenge to God to act in a spectacular way. It appeals to pride and the desire for attention.
Temptation to Disobedience: While it might seem like faith, throwing oneself from the temple would actually be a deliberate act of disobedience. God hasn't commanded Jesus to do such a thing.
Jesus' Response (Luke 4:12):
Jesus rebuffs Satan's temptation by quoting Deuteronomy 6:16: "You shall not put the Lord your God to the test."
Rejecting the Misuse of Scripture: Jesus demonstrates the correct way to interpret Scripture, refusing to allow it to be used for selfish purposes or to justify risky behavior.
Recognizing Satan's Deception: Jesus sees through Satan's deceptive strategy and understands the true nature of the temptation.
Affirming Humility and Obedience: Jesus affirms that faith is not about demanding God's intervention but about trusting him and obeying his will.
In Summary:
The verse from Psalm 91 is a beautiful promise of God's protection, but it should not be interpreted as a license for recklessness or a guarantee that we can demand God's intervention on our own terms. Satan's use of the verse highlights the importance of interpreting Scripture in its proper context and avoiding the temptations of presumption, pride, and disobedience. Jesus's response models how to properly handle Scripture and maintain a humble, obedient relationship with God.
Luke 4:11 - and, ‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest perhaps you dash your foot against a stone.’” Psalm 91:11-12
What does "Luke 4:11" mean?
The verse you quoted, Psalm 91:11-12, is quoted in Luke 4:11 during the temptation of Jesus. Let's break down the meaning in both contexts:
Psalm 91:11-12 (in its original context):
Verse 11: "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;" This speaks to God's protection and care for those who trust in him. God will send his angels to watch over and protect them.
Verse 12: "On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone." This is a metaphorical image. It suggests that the angels will provide such diligent protection that even minor mishaps (like stubbing your toe on a stone) will be avoided. The "stone" represents potential harm, danger, or obstacles in life. The angels act as a buffer, preventing even small hurts from befalling the person trusting in God.
Luke 4:11 (The Temptation of Jesus):
In the Gospel of Luke, Satan quotes this verse to Jesus during one of the temptations in the wilderness. Satan's argument is this:
1. If you are truly the Son of God, you have a right to claim this divine protection.
2. Therefore, throw yourself down from the highest point of the Temple.
3. God must fulfill his promise by sending angels to catch you and prevent you from being harmed.
Satan's Intention and Misinterpretation:
Misinterpretation of Scripture: Satan is taking the verse out of context and twisting its meaning. Psalm 91 speaks of God's protection for those who are walking in obedience and trusting in him. It is not a promise that allows for reckless behavior or testing God's faithfulness through dangerous stunts.
Temptation to Presumption: Satan is tempting Jesus to presume upon God's grace. To presume is to assume entitlement to God's favor, rather than humbly receiving it through faith and obedience. It's akin to saying, "God owes me this."
Temptation to Pride: Throwing himself off the temple would be a public display of power and a challenge to God to act in a spectacular way. It appeals to pride and the desire for attention.
Temptation to Disobedience: While it might seem like faith, throwing oneself from the temple would actually be a deliberate act of disobedience. God hasn't commanded Jesus to do such a thing.
Jesus' Response (Luke 4:12):
Jesus rebuffs Satan's temptation by quoting Deuteronomy 6:16: "You shall not put the Lord your God to the test."
Rejecting the Misuse of Scripture: Jesus demonstrates the correct way to interpret Scripture, refusing to allow it to be used for selfish purposes or to justify risky behavior.
Recognizing Satan's Deception: Jesus sees through Satan's deceptive strategy and understands the true nature of the temptation.
Affirming Humility and Obedience: Jesus affirms that faith is not about demanding God's intervention but about trusting him and obeying his will.
In Summary:
The verse from Psalm 91 is a beautiful promise of God's protection, but it should not be interpreted as a license for recklessness or a guarantee that we can demand God's intervention on our own terms. Satan's use of the verse highlights the importance of interpreting Scripture in its proper context and avoiding the temptations of presumption, pride, and disobedience. Jesus's response models how to properly handle Scripture and maintain a humble, obedient relationship with God.