Temptation of Christ
67
without suffering or peril, if he would make one concession, and that
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was to acknowledge Satan his superior, and pay him homage. This
last temptation was designed to be the most alluring of all. Christ’s
life was one of sorrow, hardship, and conflict. Poverty and privation
attended him; even the beasts and the birds had their homes, but the
Son of Man had not where to lay his head. Homeless and friendless as
he was, there was offered him the mighty kingdoms of the world and
the glory of them for a single consideration.
The eyes of Jesus rested for a moment upon the scene before him;
he then turned resolutely from it, refusing to dally with the tempter by
even looking upon the enchanting prospect he had presented to him;
but when Satan solicited his homage, Christ’s divine indignation was
aroused, and he could no longer tolerate his blasphemous assumption,
or even permit him to remain in his presence. He exercised his divine
authority, and commanded Satan to desist, saying, “Get thee hence,
Satan; for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him
only shalt thou serve.”
Satan had asked Christ to give him evidence that he was the Son
of God, and he had, in this instance, the proof he asked. He had no
power to withstand his peremptory dismissal, and was compelled to
obey the divine command. Writhing with baffled hate and rage, the
rebel chief retired from the presence of the world’s Redeemer. The
contest was ended. Christ’s victory was as complete as had been the
failure of Adam.
But the conflict had been protracted and trying, and Christ was
exhausted and fell fainting to the ground, with the pallor of death
upon his countenance. Then the heavenly angels, who had bowed
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before him in the royal courts, and who had watched his conflict with
painful interest, ministered unto him, strengthening him with food,
as he lay like one dying. They had beheld with awe and amazement
their heavenly Commander passing through inexpressible suffering
to achieve the salvation of man. He had endured a more severe test
than man would ever be called to bear. But, as he lay emaciated and
suffering, the angels brought messages of love and comfort from the
Father, and an assurance that all Heaven triumphed in the victory he
had gained for man. Thus the great heart of Christ warmed to life
again, and became strengthened for his coming work.