A debate coach might consider this prime opportunity.  The Question: To whom do the kingdoms of the world really belong?

In debate, the proposition is Satan's.  The opposition would be Jesus'.  The devil wants Jesus to allow that all this seen in a moment of time can and will be given him to rule if he will but bow down and worship him.

In debate, the devil would represent a change from current policy while Jesus, presumably, would defend the status quo.  The devil goes first.  He gives his speech.  He takes the affirmative by asserting all authority and glory of the kingdoms "has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will." 

This involves, I suppose, the plant kingdom, animal kingdom, archaebacterial kingdom, eubacteria kingdom, fungi, mineral kingdom, geographical and political kingdoms like Pharoah's Lost Kingdom or the United Kingdom, and maybe even Mutual of Omaha's Wild kingdom and Disney's Magic Kingdom.

The kingdoms and all their glory are no small bargain.  We usually think someone is tremendously generous when, like Herod to Salome, they tender half their kingdom.  But the devil puts forward all of it, all the grandeur, all the power, all the wealth, and all the authority.  He doesn't offer half.  He offers all.  The sweeping scale of what lay before Jesus must have been staggering.  The devil intended it to be.  He appeals to the human nature of Jesus.

So, what will it be, Jesus? 

Deal or no deal?

Many who read this temptation probably wonder why Jesus didn't debate.  Could he not simply tell this presumptuous devil that all the grand display doesn't belong to him in the first place, that offering the Creator his own creation is like the Woody Woodpecker cartoon where Buzz Buzzard wants to sell Woody a new car.  Every car he shows Woody is falling apart so Woody just laughs at him.  In the end Buzz comes up with an idea. He just changes the color and tries to sell Woody his own car.

Could not Jesus have laughed at the audacity or at the very least cross-examined Satan?  Couldn't Jesus at a minimum, make a legal argument to dispute whether the devil's proposal is even allowable?  Theoretically he could. 

But, remember, this is not a fair fight.  This text is not about two gentlemen having a discussion about property rights.  Satan is not going to graciously admit his proposition is illegitimate and utterly false.  He has a darker aim.

The question is not essentially: to whom do the kingdoms of the world really belong?  They belong to God, but Jesus refused to be side-tracked.  Christ does not come to defend even what He is entitled to.  Jesus never sought to even a score (1 Peter 2:23).  He never defended himself (Isa. 53:7; Heb. 12:3).  Neither does He come to haggle with the devil.  Much more is at stake than defending His pride, scoring a point, or winning a debate.

Jesus doesn't argue with the devil.  He doesn't debate.

When two sides debate, the arena is much like a courtroom.  One side prosecutes; the other side defends.  Ultimately a judge decides.  When two debaters contest an issue, a judge ultimately decides whose argument or rebuttal is more persuasive.  But Jesus didn't enter this world to win a debate.  He doesn't use quick, witty, or razor-sharp remarks to cream the devil in a debate ring.

Whether the devil can legitimately offer Christ these kingdoms or not is beside the point.  It won't make a particle of difference if Jesus doesn't fulfill what he really came to do.  Debate over who has the rights to a deck chair on the Titanic is a mute point.  To be lured into that kind of squabble is the kind of distraction Satan wants.

He wants Jesus just once to look out for himself and take hold of what He is entitled to.  Jesus, survey all these kingdoms. This very instant you can be the king of them and rule like a god.  There is no need to face indignity, suffering, or a disgraceful death.  Instead of a bitter cup, you can, with one little bob of your head, "make the deal."

Just make the deal! 

End the anguish, discontinue the struggle, and avoid the cross.  Say no more, and just MAKE THE DEAL!