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Book of Luke - Chapter 4 - Verse 8

4:8
And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

Meaning

When Jesus said, "Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve," he was addressing the temptations he faced from Satan in the wilderness. By quoting scripture, Jesus was reminding Satan of the importance of worshiping and serving only God. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the need to resist temptation and focus on honoring and serving God above all else. It also emphasizes the importance of staying true to one's faith and not being swayed by worldly desires or distractions. Jesus's response to Satan highlights his unwavering commitment to God and serves as a model for believers to follow when faced with temptation or challenges in their own lives.

Theological Overview

Jesus' response to Peter's suggestion of avoiding the cross by stating "Get thee behind me, Satan" is significant theologically. By referring to Peter as Satan, Jesus is not calling him the devil but is acknowledging the temptation behind Peter's words. This statement highlights the spiritual battle Jesus faced, recognizing the enemy's attempt to derail God's plan of salvation through him. Jesus then quotes Deuteronomy 6:13, affirming the importance of worshipping and serving God alone. This emphasizes the need for undivided loyalty to God and reinforces the truth that all aspects of life should be centered around honoring and obeying Him. The word "worship" in this context carries the idea of bowing down in reverence and devotion, acknowledging God's supreme authority. By using this verse, Jesus reminds Peter of the primary purpose of every person's life - to worship and serve the one true God. This exchange serves as a powerful reminder for believers to remain steadfast in their faith and commitment to God despite challenges or temptations they may face.

American Standard Version

And Jesus answered and said unto him, It is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
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