Matthew 4:1-11
(Luke 4:1-13; Mark 1:12-13)
Suggested further reading: Genesis 3:1-6
That old serpent who tempted Adam to sin in paradise was not
afraid to assault the second Adam, the Son of God. Whether he
understood that Jesus was `God manifest in the flesh' might be doubted.
But that he saw in Jesus one who had come into the world to
overthrow his kingdom is plain and clear. He had seen what had happened
at our Lord's baptism. He had heard the marvellous words from
heaven. He felt that the great Friend of man was come and that his
own dominion was in peril. The Redeemer had come. The prison
door was about to be thrown open. The lawful captives were about to
be set free. All this, we need not doubt, Satan saw, and resolved to
fight for his own. The prince of this world would not give way to
the Prince of peace without a mighty struggle. He had overcome
the first Adam in the garden; why should he not overcome the
second Adam in the wilderness? He had spoiled man once of Paradise;
why should he not spoil him of the kingdom of God?
Let it never surprise us if we are tempted of the devil. Let
us rather expect it as a matter of course if we are living members
of Christ. The Master's lot will be the lot of his disciples. That
mighty spirit who did not fear to attack Jesus himself is still going about
as a roaring lion seeking whom he Maydevour. That murderer and
liar who vexed Job and overthrew David and Peter still lives and is
not yet bound (Job 1:12; 2:6; 1 Chr. 21:1; Luke 22:31-32). If he
cannot rob us of heaven, he will at any rate make our journey thither
painful. If he cannot destroy our souls, he will at least bruise our
heels (Gen. 3:15). Let us beware of despising him, or thinking lightly
of his power. Let us rather put on the whole armour of God and cry
to the strong for strength (James 4:7). Let us all watch and pray
daily against his devices. There is no enemy worse than an enemy who
is never seen and never dies, who is near to us wherever we live,
and goes with us wherever we go.
For meditation: The devil is considered in the modern world as
a symbol of sensual enjoyment or a mythical figure from a past
age. Let none of us encourage a false picture of the destroyer of
men's souls.
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