He Parleyed not with Temptation
39
God, but ranked Himself among the sons of men. He was to bear the
trial of temptation as a man, in man’s behalf, under the most trying
circumstances, and leave an example of faith and perfect trust in His
heavenly Father. Christ knew that His Father would supply Him food
when it would be for His glory. He would not in this severe ordeal,
when hunger pressed Him beyond measure, prematurely diminish one
particle of the trial allotted to Him by exercising His divine power.
Fallen man when brought into straightened places could not have
the power to work miracles on his own behalf, to save himself from
pain or anguish, or to give himself victory over his enemies. It was the
purpose of God to test and prove the race, and give them an opportunity
to develop character by bringing them frequently into trying positions
to test their faith and confidence in His love and power. The life
of Christ was a perfect pattern. He was ever, by His example and
teachings, teaching man that God was his dependence, and that in Him
should be his faith and firm trust.
Christ knew that Satan was a liar from the beginning, and it re-
quired strong self-control to listen to the propositions of this insulting
deceiver and not instantly rebuke his bold assumptions. Satan was
expecting that the Son of God would in His extreme weakness and
[45]
agony of spirit give him an opportunity to obtain advantage over Him
by provoking Him to engage in controversy with him. He designed to
pervert the words of Christ and claim advantage, and call to his aid his
fallen angels to use their utmost power to prevail against and overcome
Him.
The Saviour of the world had no controversy with Satan, who was
expelled from heaven because he was no longer worthy of a place
there. He who could influence the angels of God against their Supreme
Ruler, and against His Son, their loved Commander, and enlist their
sympathy for himself, was capable of any deception. Four thousand
years he had been warring against the government of God and had lost
none of his skill or power to tempt and deceive.