Third Temptation of Christ
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Son of God. If the plan of man’s redemption should fail, he would
retain the kingdom which he then claimed. And if he should succeed,
he flattered himself that he would reign in opposition to the God of
heaven.
When Jesus left heaven, and there left His power and glory, Satan
exulted. He thought that the Son of God was placed in his power. The
temptation took so easily with the holy pair in Eden, that he hoped he
could with his satanic cunning and power overthrow even the Son of
God, and thereby save his life and kingdom. If he could tempt Jesus
to depart from the will of His Father, as he had done in his temptation
with Adam and Eve, then his object would be gained.
The time was to come when Jesus should redeem the possession
of Satan by giving His own life, and, after a season, all in heaven and
earth should submit to Him. Jesus was steadfast. He chose His life of
suffering, His ignominious death, and, in the way appointed by His
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Father, to become a lawful ruler of the kingdoms of the earth, and have
them given into His hands as an everlasting possession. Satan also
will be given into His hands to be destroyed by death, nevermore to
annoy Jesus, or the saints in glory.
Temptation Decidedly Resisted
Jesus said to this wily foe, “Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written,
Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve”
(
Matthew 4:10
). Satan had asked Christ to give him evidence that He
was the Son of God, and he had in this instance the proof he had asked.
At the divine command of Christ he was compelled to obey. He was
repulsed and silenced. He had no power to enable him to withstand
the peremptory dismissal. He was compelled without another word to
instantly desist and to leave the world’s Redeemer.
The hateful presence of Satan was withdrawn. The contest was
ended. With immense suffering Christ’s victory in the wilderness
was as complete as was the failure of Adam. And for a season He
stood freed from the presence of His powerful adversary, and from his
legions of angels.
After Satan had ended his temptations he departed from Jesus for a
little season. The foe was conquered, but the conflict had been long and
exceedingly trying. And after it was ended Christ was exhausted and