Who can best understand the temptation to control massive numbers of people?
Politicians or military commanders best understand the temptation to control massive numbers of people. Those who reach a place of controlling masses experience power grabbing them, as true pride seeks control over other people. Historical examples include notorious emperors like Napoleon, Stalin, and Hitler, who became power hungry by controlling masses.
Les explains that no one can really understand this temptation like politicians or military commanders—those who can get to the place of controlling massive numbers of people. Power literally grabs them, and that is what true pride is all about: getting control over other people. He points to notorious emperors such as Napoleon, Stalin, and Hitler, who became power hungry because they could control masses. In the temptation of Jesus, Satan offers Him control over all the nations if He will fall down and worship him. Les notes Satan likely did not know that these same nations will one day be under Christ's rulership when He rules and reigns by His sovereignty.