The Life and Ministry of Jesus
Then he brought Him to Jerusalem, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you,’ and, ‘In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’ ” And Jesus answered and said to him, “It has been said, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’ ” Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time. Luke 4:9–13
The devil tried to get Jesus to change the timing and structure of His ministry. Jesus knew He must go to the cross and die for the sins of the world. He knew that He was the Suffering Servant. The devil challenged Jesus to throw Himself off the highest point of the temple. Satan meant that the nation, seeing Jesus’ miraculous protection from such a jump, would immediately accept Him. However, Jesus was aware of the implication. To receive the acceptance of the people without going to the cross would be to question whether God was really in the plan at all. But Jesus was confident of the fact that God was with Him and that the Father’s plan and timing were perfect. 1
Personal Encouragement
Taking shortcuts to the finish line is responding to Satan’s temptation, and not the call of God. Be careful who’s voice you listen to. The easy road is usually a dangerous road.
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. Galatians 2:20
The Christian life does not forsake the call. Live a crucified life for Him.
A Prayer
Lord, please protect me from the lies of the enemy.
1. Walvoord, John F., & Zuck, R. B., Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
