Matthew 4:10

Get thee hence. The climax had been reached. Satan had unmasked himself and had appeared in his true role. The prince of this world had come to Christ offering to satisfy the cravings of human desire (1) for the material creature comforts and necessities, (2) for the privilege of doing as one pleases and of enjoying the privilege of disobedience without accepting its responsibilities, (3) for pride and popularity, and (4) for power and authority over other men.

The prince of this world came to Christ and found nothing in Him that responded, even in the very least degree, to temptation (see John 14:30). The Son of God, “in the likeness of sinful flesh, . . . condemned sin in the flesh” (Rom. 8:3), and if we but come to Him in faith — if we choose to “walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Rom. 8:4) — He will, by His grace, enable us thus to walk. If we will but submit ourselves to God, we too may resist the devil, and he will flee from us (see James 4:7, 8). God will be to us a sure defense (Prov. 18:10).

Satan. See on v. 1.

Worship the Lord. A quotation from the LXX of Deut. 6:13. The belief that man can serve two masters is a deception of the devil (see Matt. 6:24). Any philosophy of life that offers us “all these things” and heaven too is part and parcel of the devil’s own doctrine.

Shalt thou serve. Jesus had now affirmed His loyalty to principle in the realm of the body, the mind, and the soul. Throughout His life it was the will of the Father, and not His own, that guided His choice in all things (see ch. 26:39).