Matthew 4:11

Then. See on v. 1.

Devil leaveth him. Not permanently, but “for a season” (Luke 4:13). Even from infancy His life had been “one long struggle against the powers of darkness” (DA 71, 116; see on Luke 4:2). The devil had tempted Christ, but was powerless to compel Him to sin; and so it is with us. His fiercest temptations are powerless unless and until we consent to sin (see 5T 177). When we “resist the devil ... he will flee” from us (James 4:7). Christ came forth from the battle triumphant — the devil departed a defeated foe.

Ministered. When the temptations were ended Jesus fell exhausted to the earth with the pallor of death upon His face. He lay there like one dying (DA 131).

Satan had promised the ministry of angels outside the circle of obedience to the will of God, but Jesus refused. Now, heavenly angels came and ministered to Him upon the pathway of obedience. Their assurances of the Father’s love and of the appreciation and joy of all heaven in His victory must have greatly comforted and strengthened the Saviour.