As we look at the three tests that Satan gave our Lord Jesus Christ’ humanity, we have come to the third and final test. You have to imagine that the devil is getting a little frustrated that Jesus has passed both of these tests with flying colors, depending on the Word of God to counter each of the temptations. Now we come to the third test, where Satan basically quits trying to trick Jesus, and gets right to the point. He basically says, “you can have it all right now.”

Matthew 4:8-11

8 Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory;

9 and he said to Him, "All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me."

One interesting point here is that Jesus doesn’t argue with Satan’s authority to hand it over to Him! This story is also in Luke. Look how he puts it:

Luke 4:5-6

5 And he led Him up and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.

6 And the devil said to Him, "I will give You all this domain and its glory; for it has been handed over to me, and I give it to whomever I wish.

Satan makes a legitimate offer! He is the ruler of this world. He is telling Jesus to bypass the cross, and go ahead and get what God has promised to Him. Just do it the easy way! Satan is simply trying to get Jesus to skip the plan of God, and go ahead and get to the end result. They both knew that God would deliver all the kingdoms of the world to Jesus Christ!

Be careful about this principle! Sometimes Satan will seek to hinder believers from accomplishing the plan of God by offering them the things of this world. Be sure that nothing distracts you from the plan of God for your life.

Now look how Jesus answers Satan.

10 Then Jesus said to him, "Go, Satan! For it is written, "YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND SERVE HIM ONLY.'"

The word go is the Greek HUPAGO, and it literally means to lead oneself under, or to withdraw or retire as if sinking out of sight. It’s also in the imperative mood, making it a strong command.

Basically, Jesus tells Satan that what is important is the plan of God, not Me!

Jesus defeated Satan as a MAN! The humanity of the Lord Jesus Christ withstood Satan by thinking and applying the Word of God. The accurate use and interpretation of the Word of God not only will sustain the one who uses it, but it is an insurmountable defense against his enemies.

Here’s the reward:

11 Then the devil left Him; and behold, angels came and began to minister to Him.

This word minister means to serve, to take care of, or to wait on like a waiter. Imagine what a meal that was! The same rewards are available to you when you use the same power to defeat your enemies.