Authority over Satan

Jesus defeated Satan in the wilderness by rejecting his temptations and lies. The effects of that victory were demonstrated when he exercised authority over demonic forces in the village of Capernaum near the Sea of Galilee. The first incident occurred in the local synagogue, typically, a place where Jews would gather to study the Torah and pray.

The Kingdom Herald

Following his baptism, the Spirit “drove Jesus into the wilderness… for forty days and nights.” Like Moses on Sinai, the Messiah of Israel was alone in the desert where he was tested by the Devil and molded by God. He was tempted like Israel, only he overcame every challenge and emerged victorious and “full of the Holy Spirit.” Only then did he proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom, starting in the villages of Galilee.

Servant or Caesar

Jesus rejected Satan’s offer of unlimited political power and chose the way of the Suffering Servant and the Cross - Matthew 4:8-11.

The Devil tempted Jesus by offering him sovereignty over all the nations of the Earth. However, Christ, the Messiah of Israel, refused this seductive and politically pragmatic offer, and instead submitted to the way of the servant that would end with his death on the Cross.