What does Luke 4:6 mean?

Scripture records one—and only one—incident where an individual is promised earthly prosperity in return for worship. This is that moment, and the one making the offer is Satan. God has made unconditional promises to individuals, and conditional agreements with nations. He also allows for cause and effect. Yet He never promises worldly wealth, health, victory, or power to those who follow Him. Those who suggest otherwise—peddlers of the so-called "prosperity gospel"—are liars and frauds (1 Timothy 6:5; 2 Peter 2:1–3), echoing the words of the Devil himself.

Satan has taken Jesus to some high place, heightening the drama of these temptations (Luke 4:1–5). There, Jesus is shown the kingdoms of earth, likely in a vision. Here, Satan points out that he has been given power and authority on earth (2 Corinthians 4:4; John 12:31; Revelation 13:2). As the next verse indicates (Luke 4:7), the Devil is offering to grant Jesus immense authority in exchange for worship.

In a literal sense, Satan is tempting Jesus to ignore God, to take power on His own terms. This is also the lure of seeking immediate, easier success instead of godly, eternal reward. It is the temptation to "short-cut" God's plan. Jesus could skip the suffering of the cross and take kingship over the world right now. This also appeals to human arrogance, by giving Jesus a way to think He, not God the Father, is responsible for gaining authority.

Jesus will once again cite Deuteronomy as He rejects this temptation (Luke 4:8; Deuteronomy 6:13). He will wait for God's timing, and follow God's plan, even if that means walking a path to crucifixion (Philippians 2:8).