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The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 2
himself from the temple, in order to prove his claim to the protection of
his Heavenly Father, he would, by that very act, exhibit the weakness
of human nature.
But Jesus came off victor from the second temptation, by spurning
the sin of presumption. While manifesting perfect trust in his Father,
he refused to voluntarily place himself in such peril that it would be
necessary for the Father to display divine power in order to save his
Son from death. This would have been forcing Providence to come to
his rescue, and thus he would fail to give his people a perfect example
of faith and trust in God.
Our Saviour showed entire confidence that his Heavenly Father
would not suffer him to be tempted above what he should give him
strength to endure. Christ had not willfully placed himself in danger,
and he knew that if he preserved his integrity, an angel of God would
be sent to deliver him from the tempter’s power if it were necessary.
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Finding that he prevailed nothing with Christ in the second great
temptation, Satan began to be alarmed for the result of his efforts. The
continued steadfastness of the Son of God filled him with apprehension,
for he had not expected so strenuous an opposition. He now called
all the resources of his Satanic nature to his aid in one last mighty
effort to baffle and defeat the Saviour. In his first two temptations,
he 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.
He took Jesus up into a high mountain and showed him the king-
doms of the world, spread out in a panoramic view before his eyes.
The sunlight lay on templed cities, marble palaces, fruitful fields and
vineyards, gilding the dark cedars of Lebanon and the blue waters of
Galilee. The eyes of Jesus, so lately greeted by gloom and desolation,
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.”
Satan brought all his strength to bear upon this last inducement,
for upon the result of this effort depended his destiny. He claimed
the world as his dominion and himself to be the Prince of the power
of the air. He promised to Christ in possession of all the kingdoms