Satan the Tempter

by John Comer

It is no vain boast when I say that my influence has been felt by every human being who has lived upon the earth. Some offer more resistance than others, but sooner or later, and to a greater or lesser degree, I bend them all to my will.

Some are so gullible as to be no challenge at all to me, while others require my more refined skills. It’s been that way since the beginning. Eve was a pushover. And once I had her hooked, Adam fell right in line. It’s simply a matter of finding a weak spot. I haven’t failed yet.

But now that my Arch Enemy has taken a human body in the form of Jesus of Nazareth, things are somewhat more complicated for me. Still, I can beat them. I know I can. Every person has his price. What is his? I haven’t found it yet, but I will. I promise you.

I began my work in earnest right after his baptism in the Jordan, which was a disgusting spectacle to me. John calling him “Lamb of God” and “Son of God” and saying that Jesus would take away the sin of the world. I can’t think of anything worse happening than that. Then there was the Spirit of God, and the voice of God saying he was well pleased. This was all a personal threat to me, and I still take it seriously. This was when I really went to work on him.

He was very hungry. Forty days and nights of fasting, and I knew I had him. If he would just use his powers for his own personal gratification, that would be the opening I needed. But he refused to turn the stones to bread, and quoted some words God had spoken to Moses. I despise it when people tell me what God said, as though I would care.

Then I thought I’d beat him at his own game. As distasteful as it was to me, I quoted from a psalm that indicated he could safely display his power by jumping off the highest spot in the temple. He came back at me with more Scripture. He even rejected my offer of the splendor of the whole world if he would worship me. I had to listen to more Scripture.

This whole series of encounters was a disappointment to me, though it was only a temporary setback. I’ll get him yet. My suggestion to those who hear his preaching is that you not be taken in by him. I will defeat him. You have my word on this.