Luke 4:9
Then the devil led Him to Jerusalem and set Him on the pinnacle of the temple. "If You are the Son of God," he said, "throw Yourself down from here.
Then the devil
The phrase "Then the devil" introduces the tempter, Satan, who is a real and personal being, not merely a symbol of evil. The Greek word for "devil" is "diabolos," meaning "slanderer" or "accuser." This highlights Satan's role as the adversary of God and humanity, seeking to lead people away from God's truth. In the context of Jesus' temptation, it underscores the spiritual battle between good and evil, with Jesus standing firm against the devil's schemes.

led Him
The phrase "led Him" indicates that Jesus was taken by the devil to a specific location. The Greek word "ago" implies a leading or bringing, suggesting that Jesus, though fully divine, allowed Himself to be subjected to this temptation as part of His human experience. This act of being led demonstrates Jesus' submission to the Father's will and His willingness to endure temptation on our behalf, showing His identification with human struggles.

to Jerusalem
"To Jerusalem" situates the event in a city of profound religious significance. Jerusalem, the center of Jewish worship and the location of the temple, represents the heart of Jewish faith and tradition. By choosing Jerusalem, the devil attempts to exploit the religious and cultural significance of the city, aiming to challenge Jesus' identity and mission in a place where His actions would be most scrutinized.

and set Him
The phrase "and set Him" suggests a deliberate positioning by the devil. The Greek word "histemi" means to place or stand, indicating that Jesus was positioned in a way that would make the ensuing temptation more impactful. This act of setting Jesus on the pinnacle is symbolic of the devil's attempt to elevate Jesus in a manner contrary to God's plan, testing His reliance on the Father.

on the pinnacle of the temple
"On the pinnacle of the temple" refers to the highest point of the temple complex, likely the southeastern corner overlooking the Kidron Valley. The temple was the most sacred site in Judaism, and its pinnacle would have been a place of visibility and significance. By placing Jesus here, the devil tempts Him to perform a public miracle to prove His divinity, challenging Jesus to misuse His power for self-glorification rather than fulfilling His redemptive mission. This temptation echoes the human desire for recognition and the misuse of spiritual gifts for personal gain, which Jesus resists by remaining faithful to His divine purpose.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is being tempted by the devil. He is the Son of God, fully divine and fully human, who came to save humanity from sin.

2. The Devil
The tempter in this passage, also known as Satan, who seeks to lead Jesus into sin and away from His mission.

3. Jerusalem
The holy city where the event takes place, significant in Jewish history and prophecy.

4. The Pinnacle of the Temple
The highest point of the temple in Jerusalem, a place of religious significance and a symbol of God's presence among His people.

5. The Event of Temptation
This is the third temptation of Jesus by the devil, where He is challenged to prove His divinity by throwing Himself down from the temple.
Teaching Points
Understanding Temptation
Recognize that temptation often comes in subtle forms, even using Scripture out of context. We must be vigilant and discerning.

The Importance of Scripture
Jesus' response to temptation underscores the necessity of knowing and correctly applying God's Word in our lives.

Trust in God's Plan
Jesus' refusal to test God demonstrates His trust in the Father's plan and timing. We should also trust God rather than seeking to manipulate circumstances for our own ends.

Spiritual Warfare
This passage reminds us that spiritual warfare is real, and we must be prepared to stand firm against the devil's schemes.

The Role of Faith
Jesus' example shows that faith is not about demanding signs from God but trusting Him even when we don't see immediate evidence of His work.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Jesus' response to the devil's temptation in Luke 4:9-12 demonstrate the importance of understanding Scripture in context?

2. In what ways can we prepare ourselves to resist temptation, as Jesus did, using the Word of God?

3. How does the devil's use of Scripture in this passage challenge us to be discerning in our own study and application of the Bible?

4. What does Jesus' refusal to test God teach us about the nature of true faith and trust in God's plan?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Jesus' temptation in our daily spiritual battles and decision-making processes?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 4:5-7
This passage parallels Luke 4:9, providing another account of the same temptation, emphasizing the consistency of the Gospel accounts.

Psalm 91:11-12
The devil quotes this Psalm, twisting its meaning to tempt Jesus. This highlights the importance of understanding Scripture in context.

Deuteronomy 6:16
Jesus responds to the devil's temptation by quoting this verse, which warns against testing God, showing His deep understanding and application of Scripture.
The Temptation of ChristR.M. Edgar Luke 4:1-13
Temptation to Guilty HasteW. Clarkson Luke 4:9-12
A New Assault Made Out of Vanquished TemptationBishop Andrewes, A. B. Grosart.Luke 4:9-13
A Pinnacle of the TempleS. Baring-Gould, M. A.Luke 4:9-13
Christ in the PinnacleC. Vince.Luke 4:9-13
It is Satan's Policy in Tempting to Run from One Extreme to AnotherR. Gilpin.Luke 4:9-13
Pride Seeks the PinnacleBishop Hacker.Luke 4:9-13
Satan Loves Open SinsBishop Andrewes.Luke 4:9-13
Satan not Discouraged by FailureBishop Andrewes.Luke 4:9-13
Satan Watches the WindR. Gilpin.Luke 4:9-13
The Devil Where Least ExpectedJ. Stuchbery.Luke 4:9-13
The Holy Temple DefiledBishop Andrewes.Luke 4:9-13
The Influence of Place in TemptationBishop Andrewes.Luke 4:9-13
The Same DevilBishop Andrewes.Luke 4:9-13
People
Elias, Elijah, Eliseus, Elisha, Esaias, Isaiah, Jesus, Joseph, Naaman, Simon
Places
Capernaum, Galilee, Jerusalem, Jordan River, Judea, Nazareth, Sidon, Wilderness of Judea, Zarephath
Topics
Cast, Caused, Edge, God's, Hence, Highest, Jerusalem, Led, Pinnacle, Point, Roof, Stand, Temple, Throw, Thyself, Writings, Written
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Luke 4:9

     2218   Christ, Son of God
     5564   suffering, of Christ
     7240   Jerusalem, history
     7241   Jerusalem, significance
     8770   idolatry, in NT

Luke 4:1-12

     8225   devotion

Luke 4:1-13

     2078   Christ, sonship of
     4122   Satan, tempter
     5214   attack
     5379   law, Christ's attitude
     5804   charm
     6022   sin, causes of
     8729   enemies, of Christ

Luke 4:2-13

     2575   Christ, temptation
     5828   danger

Luke 4:4-12

     2333   Christ, attitude to OT

Luke 4:4-13

     6251   temptation, resisting

Library
Preaching at Nazareth
'And He began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled In your ears.'--LUKE iv. 21. This first appearance of our Lord, in His public work at Nazareth, the home of His childhood, was preceded, as we learn from John's Gospel, by a somewhat extended ministry in Jerusalem. In the course of it, He cast the money-changers out of the Temple, did many miracles, had His conversation with Nicodemus, and on His return towards Galilee met the woman of Samaria at the well. The report of these things,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Temptation
4 And Jesus, being full of the Holy Ghost, returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2. Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days He did eat nothing: and when they were ended, He afterward hungered. 3. And the devil said unto Him, If Thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread, 4. And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. 5. And the devil, taking Him up into an high
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Temptation of Christ
Matthew 4:1-11 -- "Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungered. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a
George Whitefield—Selected Sermons of George Whitefield

Private Prayer, and Public Worship.
"And, as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day."--ST. LUKE iv. 16. "He went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there He prayed."--ST. MARK i. 35. These two texts set before us our Saviour's habit in regard to public and private spiritual exercise; and they suggest to us the question, What have we, on our part, to say of these two elements in our own life? These texts, we bear in mind, represent not something casual or intermittent in the life of our Lord. They
John Percival—Sermons at Rugby

Salvation by Faith
"By grace are ye saved through faith." Eph. 2:8. 1. All the blessings which God hath bestowed upon man are of his mere grace, bounty, or favour; his free, undeserved favour; favour altogether undeserved; man having no claim to the least of his mercies. It was free grace that "formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into him a living soul," and stamped on that soul the image of God, and "put all things under his feet." The same free grace continues to us, at this day, life, and breath,
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

Massillon -- the Small Number of the Elect
Jean Baptiste Massillon was born in 1663, at Hyères, in Provence, France. He first attracted notice as a pulpit orator by his funeral sermons as the Archbishop of Vienne, which led to his preferment from his class of theology at Meaux to the presidency of the Seminary of Magloire at Paris. His conferences at Paris showed remarkable spiritual insight and knowledge of the human heart. He was a favorite preacher of Louis XIV and Louis XV, and after being appointed bishop of Clermont in 1719 he
Grenville Kleiser—The world's great sermons, Volume 3

Jesus Sets Out from Judæa for Galilee.
Subdivision C. Arrival in Galilee. ^C Luke IV. 14; ^D John IV. 43-45. ^d 43 And after the two days [the two days spent among the Samaritans at Sychar] he went forth from thence [from Samaria] into Galilee. ^c 14 And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee [Power of the Spirit here means its manifest use to perform miracles, rather than its presence, influence or direction. Jesus was always under the influence and direction of the Spirit, but did not previously perform miracles]: ^d
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Divine Healing.
The thirty-fifth chapter of Isaiah is a prophecy beautifully extolling the glories and virtues of Christ's redemptive works. "The desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose." "It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the Lord, and the excellency of our God.... Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the
Charles Ebert Orr—The Gospel Day

The Synagogue at Nazareth - Synagogue-Worship and Arrangements.
The stay in Cana, though we have no means of determining its length, was probably of only short duration. Perhaps the Sabbath of the same week already found Jesus in the Synagogue of Nazareth. We will not seek irreverently to lift the veil of sacred silence, which here, as elsewhere, the Gospel-narratives have laid over the Sanctuary of His inner Life. That silence is itself theopneustic, of Divine breathing and inspiration; it is more eloquent than any eloquence, a guarantee of the truthfulness
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

His Training.
WITH the exception of these few but significant hints, the youth of Jesus, and the preparation for his public ministry, are enshrined in mysterious silence. But we know the outward condition and circumstances under which he grew up; and these furnish no explanation for the astounding results, without the admission of the supernatural and divine element in his life. He grew up among a people seldom and only contemptuously named by the ancient classics, and subjected at the time to the yoke of a foreign
Philip Schaff—The Person of Christ

Standing with the People
We have found two simple and axiomatic social principles in the fundamental convictions of Jesus: The sacredness of life and personality, and the spiritual solidarity of men. Now confront a mind mastered by these convictions with the actual conditions of society, with the contempt for life and the denial of social obligation existing, and how will he react? How will he see the duty of the strong, and his own duty? DAILY READINGS First Day: The Social Platform of Jesus And he came to Nazareth, where
Walter Rauschenbusch—The Social Principles of Jesus

Christ the Deliverer.
"And he [Jesus] came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up; and he entered, as his custom was, into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up to read. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Isaiah. And he opened the book, and found the place where it was written, The spirit of the Lord is upon me, Because he anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor: He hath sent me to proclaim release to the captives, And recovering of sight to the blind, To set at liberty them that
Frank G. Allen—Autobiography of Frank G. Allen, Minister of the Gospel

Quotations from the Old Testament in the New.
1. As it respects inspiration, and consequent infallible authority, the quotations of the New Testament stand on a level with the rest of the apostolic writings. The Saviour's promise was: "When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth;" literally, "into all the truth," that is, as immediately explained, all the truth pertaining to the Redeemer's person and work. When, therefore, after the fulfilment of this promise, Peter and the other apostles expounded to their brethren
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

From his Commission to Reside Abroad in 1820 to his Removal to Germany in 1822
In 1822 John Yeardley went to reside in Germany. As his residence abroad constituted one of the most remarkable turns in his life, and exercised a powerful influence on the rest of his career, we shall develop as fully as we are able the motives by which he was induced to leave his native country. By means of his Diary we can trace the early appearance and growth, if not the origin, of the strong Christian sympathy he ever afterwards manifested with seeking souls in the nations on the continent of
John Yeardley—Memoir and Diary of John Yeardley, Minister of the Gospel

Whether in Christ There were the Gifts?
Objection 1: It would seem that the gifts were not in Christ. For, as is commonly said, the gifts are given to help the virtues. But what is perfect in itself does not need an exterior help. Therefore, since the virtues of Christ were perfect, it seems there were no gifts in Him. Objection 2: Further, to give and to receive gifts would not seem to belong to the same; since to give pertains to one who has, and to receive pertains to one who has not. But it belongs to Christ to give gifts according
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

It is the Final Court of Appeal.
It is not a question of what I think, or of what any one else thinks--it is, What saith the Scriptures? It is not a matter of what any church or creed teaches--it is, What teaches the Bible? God has spoken, and that ends the matter: "Forever, O Lord, Thy Word is settled in heaven." Therefore, it is for me to bow to His authority, to submit to His Word, to cease all quibbling and cry, "Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth." Because the Bible is God's Word, it is the final court of appeal in all things
Arthur W. Pink—The Divine Inspiration of the Bible

Epistle xiii. To Serenus, Bishop of Massilia (Marseilles) .
To Serenus, Bishop of Massilia (Marseilles) [128] . Gregory to Serenus, &c. The beginning of thy letter so showed thee to have in thee the good will that befits a priest as to cause us increased joy in thy Fraternity. But its conclusion was so at variance with its commencement that such an epistle might be attributed, not to one, but to different, minds. Nay, from thy very doubts about the epistle which we sent to thee it appears how inconsiderate thou art. For, hadst thou paid diligent attention
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Book x. On Numbers
In truth, we interpret, however briefly, these numbers of perfect names. The mystical account of these examples makes them more honored among the blessed. I. This number refers to the unity of the divinity; in the Pentatuch: hear, O Israel, the Lord your God is one. [Deut. 6:4] II. [This number refers] to the two testaments; in Kings: and He made in Dabir two cherubim in the measure of 10 cubits. [III(I) Kings 6:23] III. [This number refers] to the Trinity; in the epistle of John: three are those
St. Eucherius of Lyons—The Formulae of St. Eucherius of Lyons

The Doctrine of the Scriptures.
I. NAMES AND TITLES. 1. THE BIBLE. 2. THE TESTAMENTS. 3. THE SCRIPTURES. 4. THE WORD OF GOD. II. INSPIRATION. 1. DEFINITION. 2. DISTINCTIONS. a) Revelation. b) Illumination. c) Reporting. 3. VIEWS: a) Natural Inspiration. b) Christian Illumination. c) Dynamic Theory. d) Concept Theory. e) Verbal Inspiration. f) Partial Inspiration. g) Plenary Inspiration. 4. THE CLAIMS OF THE SCRIPTURES THEMSELVES: a) The Old Testament. b) The New Testament. 5. THE CHARACTER (OR DEGREES) OF INSPIRATION. a) Actual
Rev. William Evans—The Great Doctrines of the Bible

The Cornish Tinners
Saturday, September 3.--I rode to the Three-cornered Down (so called), nine or ten miles east of St. Ives, where we found two or three hundred tinners, who had been some time waiting for us. They all appeared quite pleased and unconcerned; and many of them ran after us to Gwennap (two miles east), where their number was quickly increased to four or five hundred. I had much comfort here in applying these words, "He hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor" [Luke 4:18]. One who lived near
John Wesley—The Journal of John Wesley

Wesley Begins Field-Preaching
1739. March 15.--During my stay [in London] I was fully employed, between our own society in Fetter Lane and many others where I was continually desired to expound; I had no thought of leaving London, when I received, after several others, a letter from Mr. Whitefield and another from Mr. Seward entreating me, in the most pressing manner, to come to Bristol without delay. This I was not at all forward to do. Wednesday, 28.--My journey was proposed to our society in Fetter Lane. But my brother Charles
John Wesley—The Journal of John Wesley

The Redeemer's Return is Necessitated by the Present Exaltation of Satan.
One of the greatest mysteries in all God's creation is the Devil. For any reliable information concerning him we are shut up to the Holy Scriptures. It is in God's Word alone that we can learn anything about his origin, his personality, his fall, his sphere of operations, and his approaching doom. One thing which is there taught us about the great Adversary of God and man, and which observation and experience fully confirms, is, that he is a being possessing mighty power. It would appear, from a
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return

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