Three times Satan tries to tempt Jesus in Matthew 4. And three times Jesus remains steadfast in his mission and refuses to give in to these temptations. After the third attempt, Satan gives for the the time being.

For the third temptation that Matthew describes, Satan takes Jesus to a very high mountain. Just where this may have been is unclear, but the likelihood of it being in the vicinity of Israel is high, since that’s the area of greatest immediate impact by the physical life of Jesus. However, since Jesus came to save the whole world, this mountaintop experience could have been literally anywhere on earth.

Wherever it may have been, the devil displays before Jesus a panorama of all the kingdoms of this world with their glory. It may be worth noting that this could not be a literal statement, because even from the highest of mountains, one cannot see “all” of the earth. But the offer Satan is making uses the vista as a representative of the complete world.

But is this even an offer that Satan could make? One one hand, the answer is no. God is in control, and he owns everything. That is clear throughout Scripture. However, for a time, Satan has usurped God’s authority and has possession of the world to some degree. There are several passages that confirm Satan’s temporary control:

Now judgment is upon this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. – John 12:31

I will not speak much more with you, for the ruler of the world is coming, and he has nothing in Me… – John 14:30

…and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged. – John 16:11

…in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. – Ephesians 2:2

He offers this “ownership” to Jesus, if only Jesus would worship him. Satan seeks to receive the worship that God alone deserves, and will do anything to achieve it, it seems.

It is interesting to note that this is the only temptation in which Satan offers Jesus anything of substance, the only temptation where he shows any generosity, hollow offer though it may be. The reality though, is that he actually offers nothing. What he attempts to give to Jesus is something that Jesus is already the rightful owner of.

So Jesus resists once again. And once again, He uses Scripture to rebuke his adversary. This time, Jesus quotes Deuteronomy 6:13, “You shall fear only the Lord your God; and you shall worship Him and swear by His name.” With this quote, Jesus repels the third temptation, and lives out the principle he would later give in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters…” Jesus goal is to serve God alone, and to accomplish the mission of salvation on which he was sent.

At this point, Matthew tells us that Satan leaves Jesus. Luke adds the detail that Satan leaves “for a season” (Luke 4:13). Satan left, but he would return many times. The devil had attacked every vulnerable point: Jesus’ hunger, his trust in God, and now his responsibility and purpose.

The lesson for us is simple. When we are secure in these areas, we too can stand firm against most of the temptations of the enemy. Our temptations usually fall within these three areas: our hungers and appetites, for food and other things; our trust in God’s plan for our lives; and our desire for power and position. If we can shore up these areas, we close up gaps in our defenses that the enemy could exploit. That’s why it’s a worthwhile exercise to continually examine our lives for weak spots, on our own and with the help of others to watch our blind spots.

Jesus held strong in all these areas. And in every instance, he did so by clinging to the Word of God. And he proved to be true what James would later pen, “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”

Jesus’ anchor was the Word of God. What’s yours?

Question: How often do you turn to Scripture, especially in a time of crisis? What can you do to learn to depend upon the Word of God more? You can leave a comment by clicking here.