Finding that he prevailed nothing with Christ in the second great temptation, Satan began to be alarmed for the result of his efforts. The continued steadfastness of the Son of God filled him with apprehension, for he had not expected so strenuous an opposition. He now called all the resources of his Satanic nature to his aid in one last mighty effort to baffle and defeat the Saviour. In his first two temptations, he had concealed his true character and purpose, claiming to be an exalted messenger from the courts of Heaven. But he now throws off all disguise, avowing himself the Prince of Darkness, and claiming the earth for his dominion. {2SP 95.1}

Da Satan mærkede, at han ikke heller kunne udrette noget mod Kristus i denne anden store fristelse, begyndte han at frygte for udfaldet af sine bestræbelser. Guds Søns udholdenhed og bestemthed fyldte ham med frygt; thi han havde ikke ventet at møde en så kraftig modstand. Han opbød nu alle sine sataniske hjælpemidler for at overvinde frelseren i sin sidste fortvivlende bestræbelser. I de første to fristelser havde han skjult sin virkelige karakter og hensigt; men nu kastede ham masken bort og viste sig selv som mørkets fyrste og påstod, at jorden var hans rige.