Angels at Christ’s Baptism and in the Wilderness
125
If Jesus had cast Himself from the pinnacle, it would not have
glorified His Father; for none would witness the act but Satan, and
the angels of God. And it would be tempting the Lord to display His
power to His bitterest foe. It would have been condescending to the
one whom Jesus came to conquer.—
Spiritual Gifts 1:33
.
The Third Temptation
Jesus was victor in the second temptation, and now Satan manifests
himself in his true character. But he does not appear as a hideous
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monster, with cloven feet and bat’s wings. He is a mighty angel,
though fallen. He avows himself the leader of rebellion and the God
of this world.
Placing Jesus upon a high mountain, Satan caused the kingdoms of
the world, in all their glory, to pass in panoramic view before Him.—
The Desire of Ages, 129
.
In his first two temptations, he [Satan] had concealed his true
character and purpose, claiming to be an exalted messenger from the
courts of heaven. But he now throws off all disguise, avowing himself
the Prince of Darkness, and claiming the earth for his dominion.—
The
Spirit of Prophecy 2:95
.
The great deceiver sought to blind the eyes of Christ by the glitter
and tinsel of the world, and presented before Him the kingdoms of this
world and the glory of them. He who had fallen from heaven, pictured
the world as possessing the gilding of the world above, in order that
he might induce Christ to accept the bribe, and fall down and worship
him.—
The Signs of the Times, March 28, 1895
.
The sunlight lay on templed cities, marble palaces, fertile fields,
and fruit-laden vineyards. The traces of evil were hidden. The eyes
of Jesus, so lately greeted by gloom and desolation, now gazed upon
a scene of unsurpassed loveliness and prosperity. Then the tempter’s
voice was heard: “All this power will I give Thee, and the glory of
them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.
If Thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be Thine.” ...
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Now the tempter offered to yield up the power he had usurped.
Christ might deliver Himself from the dreadful future by acknowledg-
ing the supremacy of Satan. But to do this was to yield the victory in
the great controversy.—
The Desire of Ages, 129
.