1. Interesting that it was the Holy Spirit who sent Jesus out to be tempted by the devil. We pray, "Lead us not into temptation." But the Spirit sent Jesus to be tempted. That's why we can pray in the Great Litany: "By Your baptism, fasting, and temptation, help us, good Lord."
2. The devil says, "IF You are the Son of God, ..." This incident follows immediately on the heels of Jesus' baptism. And what had the Father declared there? "This is My beloved Son." As soon as God declares Jesus to be the Son of God, the devil comes in with "If." And yet, Jesus doesn't question the Father's declaration. He holds onto it.
3. The devil quotes the psalm where the Lord promises that His angels will guard us and bear us up. He uses that as the rationale for Jesus to jump off the temple: "See? They'll protect You." Of course, Jesus doesn't. But ain't it nifty to see that, as soon as the devil backs off, the angels do come and minister to Jesus? Even though the devil twisted and perverted that promise, God still kept His word.
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