What is desired? What is needed? What cannot be done without? What is done to get these? Is a kingdom desired? Why not desire all the kingdoms of the world? It will not be enough. Is authority and power needed? Why not be the ruler of the world? A ruler is always afraid and alone. Can splendor be done without? Why not possess a room full of elaborate clothing and a closet full of shoes? You will always need more rooms to store the things purchased and yet never used.
James 1:13-15 says, “When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”
When the devil showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world in an instant, he offered them and made a condition. The devil is in the details. Jesus needed to worship him to receive them. Jesus was not interested in all the kingdoms of the world. He quoted Deuteronomy 6:13. “Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.” Jesus said elsewhere, “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it… The father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.” (12:22)
