Humble Hero

52/317

Christ Could Not Be Bought

When the tempter offered Christ the kingdom and glory of the world, he was proposing that Christ would rule subject to Satan. This was the same rulership on which the Jews had set their hopes. They desired the kingdom of this world. But Christ declared to the tempter, “Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’% 7D’ Christ would not be bought. He had come to establish a kingdom of righteousness, and He would not abandon His plan. HH 51.5

Satan approaches people with the same temptation, and here he has better success than with Christ. He offers them the kingdom of this world on condition that they will sacrifice integrity, disregard conscience, indulge selfishness, and acknowledge his supremacy. Satan says, “Whatever may be true regarding eternal life, to make a success in this world, you must serve me. I can give you riches, pleasures, honor, and happiness. Do not be carried away with notions of honesty or self-sacrifice.” HH 51.6

So most people agree to live for self, and Satan is satisfied. But he offers what is not his to give and what is soon to be taken away from him. In return, he tricks them out of their claim to the inheritance of the children of God. HH 52.1