Third Temptation
49
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, never more to
annoy Jesus or the saints in glory.
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.”
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 withstand the peremptory dismissal. He
was compelled without another word instantly to desist and leave the
world’s Redeemer.
The hateful presence of Satan was withdrawn. The contest was
ended. With inestimable 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 his legions of
angels.
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