The third temptation of Jesus Christ: Don't bargain with Satan

After the first two temptations failed, the devil took Jesus and showed him the whole world and agreed to give it all to Jesus if he would fall down and worship him. The biggest irony was that the world already belonged to Jesus, not the devil. What was he offering then?

He offered Kingdoms of people in its entire splendor. The devil knew that Jesus has come to lead the lost sheep back to the Father. He also knew that not everyone will be willing to listen to Jesus. Though the whole earth is the Lord’s, the people were stooped in sin and were slaves to it. The devil agreed (or pretended to agree) to give them all, people and riches, to Jesus if he would fall down and worship him.

“Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”  ~Matthew 4:8, 9

Very tempting, if you ask me. He wasn’t just offering an easy way to gain crowds, but also kingdoms and riches. But being full of Spirit and wisdom, Jesus refuses and replies, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only’.” ~Matthew 4: 10

With that statement, Jesus established that he would never accomplish his task by compromising with the devil. His plan to fulfill the Father’s will doesn’t need any compromising with evil. He made sure that he will take the straight and proper way to lead the people back to God, even if it means laying down his life for us.

As children of Living God, we face temptation all the time. Especially when you are close to that miracle or breakthrough. The devil is always prowling around, looking for a chink in your armor, trying to pry you away from eternal life.

“Don’t go to church today. Look at the weather! Jesus will understand you don’t want to freeze yourself in this snow. You could stay back and watch Game of thrones. A new season has started! ”

“Maybe you should date that rich guy who has been flirting with you. SO what if he is a playboy? If you end up marrying him, you will be rich yourself!”

“Maybe you will find a perfect guy for yourself if you would stop dressing so modest. Showing off your assets a little will get men all over you.”

If you wish to pick up the cross and follow Christ, then you cannot afford to compromise with evil. Don’t bargain with the devil for a better house or a perfect husband. He has neither. Follow Christ with all your heart, mind and soul. Seek his kingdom first and all these shall be added onto you. There is life, hope and peace only in Christ. The world and its riches cannot give you anything. Instead it will try to snatch your life and peace away from you.

Let not the world fool you again into tempting you about things it can never give you. When Jesus was tempted, he did not deal it with supernatural weapons. He dealt it with what we have – The Scripture. As his children, we have the same sword at disposal and it is our duty to learn how to defend ourselves with the Lord’s help in times of trial and temptations.

~Lilac Blossom