Luke 4:3 - The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.”

Generated Verse: Luke 4:3

What does "Luke 4:3" mean?


This verse from Luke 4:3 is part of the temptation narrative of Jesus in the wilderness. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:

"The devil said to him..." - This introduces the speaker as the devil, a figure representing temptation and opposition to God's will.

"...If you are the Son of God..." - This is a challenge to Jesus' identity and authority. The devil is casting doubt on Jesus' divine status. It's a common tactic of temptation: to question one's faith or worth.

"...command this stone to become bread." - This is the specific temptation. The devil is urging Jesus to use his divine power for a selfish purpose – to satisfy his hunger.

Here's the significance of this temptation:

Misuse of Power: The temptation suggests that Jesus should use his divine abilities for personal gain rather than for God's mission. It's about using power for selfish needs instead of selfless service.
Trust in God's Provision: Jesus had been fasting for 40 days and was hungry. The devil is suggesting an easy way out, a quick fix. The temptation is to take matters into his own hands instead of trusting that God will provide.
Priorities and Purpose: This temptation is fundamentally about priorities. Should Jesus prioritize his immediate physical needs or his spiritual purpose? Should he succumb to the temptation to prove his identity or remain steadfast in his mission?
A foreshadowing of later temptations: Throughout Jesus' ministry, he is tempted to prove himself or to use his power in ways that contradict God's plan. This temptation sets the stage for those later challenges.

In essence, the verse represents a test of Jesus' faithfulness, obedience, and commitment to his divine purpose. It's a challenge to his identity and an invitation to misuse his power for personal gratification rather than following God's will.

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