Jesus hits Satan with one of three knockout punches when He says in Luke 4:8, "Get behind me Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.'"
Jesus had just been shown all the kingdoms of the world known at that time. For a simple act of worship to Satan, Jesus would have received all of Satan's authority over the kingdoms. What didn't come up in Satan's statement however, is that he received that authority from Jesus! God the Son is the one who has authority over the entire universe already.
Jesus also knew the cost that receiving this from Satan would be. Yes, there might be a short term benefit; however, the permanent cost of this "act of worship" would be a separation from God that lasts for eternity. Jesus would have committed idolatry, violating His Father's unique position as Lord God alone who deserves our worship.
When faced with a decision, we need to be like Jesus and understand the benefits and the costs. When the costs are too high, as this was for Jesus, we need to do the same thing and say, "Get behind me Satan!"
In Luke 5:31-32 we read of the account where Levi, having just agreed to follow Jesus, had a party where he invited his colleagues to dinner. The Pharisees complained and wondered about eating with sinners like tax collectors. "Jesus answered and said to them, 'Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
Just as a church is not a hotel for the righteous but a hospital for the sick, Jesus came to serve mankind and to offer a redemption for them. Levi saw this and thus chose to leave everything and follow Him. All could see his loyalty to Jesus.
If we hosted a party for our colleagues, would they see our loyalty to Jesus?
Blessings to all
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