Albert Barnes Commentary Matthew 4:11

"Then the devil leaveth him; and behold, angels came and ministered unto him." — Matthew 4:11 (ASV)

The devil leaveth him. The devil left him for a time (Luke 4:13). He intended to return again to the temptation and, if possible, to seduce him yet from God.

And, behold, angels came and ministered. . They came and supplied his needs, and comforted him. From all of this we may learn:

1. That no one is so holy as to be free from temptation, for the pure Son of God was severely tempted by the devil.

2. That when God permits a temptation or trial to come upon us, he will, if we look to him, give us grace to resist and overcome it (1 Corinthians 10:3).

3. We see the art of the tempter. His temptations are adapted to times and circumstances. They are plausible. What could have been more plausible than his suggestions to Christ? They were applicable to his circumstances. They had the appearance of much piety. They were backed by passages of Scripture—misapplied, but still most artfully presented.

   He never comes boldly and tempts people to sin, telling them that they are committing sin. Such a method would defeat his design. It would put people on their guard. He begins, therefore, artfully, plausibly, and the real purpose does not appear until he has prepared the mind for it.

   This is the way with all temptation. No wicked person would at once tempt another to be profane, to be drunk, to be an infidel, or to commit adultery. The principles are first corrupted; the confidence is secured; the affections are won; and then the allurement is presented little by little, until the victim fails. How should everyone be on guard at the very first appearance of evil, at the first suggestion that may possibly lead to evil.

4. One of the best ways of meeting temptation is by applying Scripture. So our Saviour did, and they will always best succeed who best wield the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:17).