February 18

PART III.

THE TEMPTATION OF CHRIST.

Tempted of the Devil.—Matthew 4:1.

Is it not desirable to ascertain the ends answered by the Saviour's temptation? It is obvious to us first of all, that Satan's influence is finite and limited. He is crafty, daring, and powerful, but still he is possessed only of finite energy and power. How happy is the reflection, that we have not to grapple with unbounded influence and almighty power. These qualities, belong only to the great and blessed God. We also learn that Satan can only tempt; he is not permitted to force or to compel. He may present the enticing snare, but there must be the consent and agreement of our own hearts before he can be successful. We know, too, that temptation is not sin. To this the best are liable; this the immaculate Jesus endured —and even good men may be subject to violent and monstrous temptations. Under these considerations, then, how cheering to remember that even the holy Jesus was thus tempted. Tempted to distrust, to presumption, to idolatry! We are also instructed by Christ's temptation as to the importance of an intimate acquaintance with the Divine and Holy Scriptures. To each of Satan's suggestions, Christ opposed a passage from the word of God—and how can we imitate the example thus set us, if we are ignorant of that blessed word. And a general knowledge of the Bible is not sufficient, for it is deserving of especial notice, that Satan made use of quotations from the Scriptures, but, with his usual subtlety, left out an important part of the passage, viz., that this promise of being kept referred to all our ways—all the ways to which God called and duty urged us; not if we wilfully rush out of these ways, and dare presumptuously to throw ourselves upon God's miraculous interposition. And Satan not only mutilated the text, but he also took care not to give the end of the quotation, viz., "Thou shalt tread upon the lion and the adder, the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet." (Psalms 91:11) Without a close and particular knowledge of the word of God, Satan's temptations are imminently perilous to our souls. The shield of faith is faith in the divine promises and statements; and our only defensive weapon is the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God. Finally, Christ's temptations and victory ought generally to console us when tempted. When we approach the holy place, we should not forget that our Great High Priest being once tempted, as we now are, knows how to sympathise with, and to succour those who are tempted. Our blessed Head has overcome the Wicked One. By a careful imitation of his example, we shall be enabled always to "triumph in Christ."