Satan had been defeated more than once as he challenged the Lord. But he returned one more time. This should serve to remind us that we must always be on our guard against that one who would lead us into sin and rob us of the joy and peace that only comes from obedience (1 Pet 5:8).

 

The final temptation in the wilderness was an offer to give Jesus the kingdoms of the earth immediately. God the Father had already told of the kingdom that would be established in Christ, and Satan would have no part in it. The devil showed the Lord the organised empires of mankind, all that the earth has to offer. Over all of this, Satan holds sway because of sin. But he knew his doom was sure if Christ fulfilled the Father’s plan. All the tempting was an effort by Satan to save himself and his evil order. He asked Jesus to worship him in return for an earthly kingdom (Matt 4:8-9). Again the Lord answered with Scripture. All the temptations of the evil one can be met by God’s people through the Scripture even as Christ has given us this example to follow (Matt 4:10). The answer of the Lord was further proof that He Himself was God. As we saw in our earlier study, He allowed people to worship Him. Here, He refused to worship Satan on the basis that God alone is worthy of worship.

 

Satan’s evil purpose to destroy the sinless sacrifice had failed. After this last attempt, Satan left the Lord (Matt 4:11). All his tempting of the Saviour was unsuccessful. The sinless life of Christ is attested to over and over again in the New Testament account by those who knew Him. Paul wrote to the Corinthian Church, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin…” (2 Cor 5:21). Surely such love should cause us to want to live holy lives that bring honour to His name.

 

THOUGHT: How did the Lord defeat Satan’s attack?

PRAYER: Father, may I treasure Thy Word and use it to guide me to live a holy life.