Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” NIV
Just for fun. Let’s look at the way which the different translators chose to phrase the command for Satan to leave.
New Living Translation - “Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. English Standard Version - Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! Berean Literal Bible - Then Jesus says to him, "Get you away, Satan! King James Bible - Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: New King James Version - Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! New American Standard Bible - Then Jesus said to him, “Go away, Satan! NASB 1995 - Then Jesus said to him, “Go, Satan! NASB 1977 - Then Jesus said to him, “Begone, Satan! Aramaic Bible in Plain English Then Yeshua said to him, “Depart Satan, for it is written: In the Carman video--Satan, bite the dust
This is the only temptation in which Jesus directly addressed Satan by name. Although Satan was the source of all three temptations, this one became personal for Jesus. The first temptation of changing the rock to bread, was asking Jesus to exert his own divine power. The second was asking for God to intervene with His divine power. This third temptation asked Jesus to reject His relationship with God, His father. Jesus told Satan to get out of here.
The Greek word Hypage means as well as the other terms used in the translations “to be lead away”. The idea is one who is escorted away under another authority. It is similar to a bailiff escorting the prisoner out of the courtroom. There is no longer room for discussion or hesitation. The prisoner will be removed and usually handcuffed. Even if his is mouthing off while he leaves, he will leave the presence of the judge.
Where does the authority come from? Being under the authority of God His father. Jesus was not declaring His future intentions to be a worshiper of God. He already loved, adored and followed His commands. Satan was asking Him to switch sides. Jesus said no way to the temptation and Satan.
We have to address “worship” and serving” for a moment before we close out the blog for today. Jesus said we cannot serve two masters. Either we will love the one and hate the other. In that illustration God puts the worship of money in conflict with worshiping God. Some think they are not worshiping Satan, so they must be worshippers of God. Actually you can be a worshiper of many different activities other than God or Satan. You can be a worshiper of money, self, your own happiness, position, power, addictions, lustful fantasies, food, other people, fame or many others. Whatever we enthrone on our heart to meet a need in our life, becomes our object of worship.
The key to finding out what you worship is answering two questions. One, where in your life are you consistently spending your money in a sacrificial way for enjoyment? Spending of money reveals your values. Two, who or what subject consumes the majority of your talking? We talk about the things or people we love.
When I was thinking about an illustration for this verse, I thought of a magnet. Every illustration will fall short of the plain meaning. But, I could see a magnet being attracted to another magnet. The magnet flips and repels the other magnet. The flipping is then attracted in the opposite direction. Some want to tell the Devil to get away from them, yet fail to flip the magnet. Only a pursuit of God will give you enough movement in the right direction to pull free from the temptation. His love and grace changes the heart if you allow Him the time.
It is the Blessing of Confessing the right words of love and adoration to point your heart into the right direction. Practice saying it aloud. Get out of here Satan, I’m a Jesus Following Lifer. May you receive all of the joy and benefits of worshiping Jesus with all your heart.
Blessings Love y’all