Matthew 4:5-11 - Temptation of Jesus (2)

The next temptation is for Jesus to put God to the test, and Satan even quotes Scripture (Psalm 9:11,12). The temptation goes something like this "if you really have faith, then throw yourself off the temple so that God will save you". We can sometimes face a similar temptation, "if you really have faith, then do this ...", but this is not faith at all. We do not need to test the Lord. When He needs to intervene miraculously in our lives He will do so, but not before. 

It is also worth looking at Psalm 91 in its entirety. It talks of one who dwells in the shadow of the Almighty and trusts in Him. The one who does this will live securely without fear of danger. The devil has quoted Scripture way out of context. We should always test what people say, and look at Scripture properly. 

When Jesus did need to be rescued, His Father raised Him from the dead. Likewise with us. At the last day we too will be raised, and in the mean time we can rest secure in the knowledge that God will do whatever He needs to do in our lives.

Finally the devil shows Jesus the kingdoms of the earth and claims that he will give them to Him if He bows down to worship him. Note first that it is only the kingdoms of the earth that satan offers. We do not need to worry ourselves about whether he had the right to do this or not, for this world will pass away and there will be a new heaven and a new earth. Moreover, Jesus was going to receive "all authority in heaven and on earth". Whatever the devil may offer us it is absolutely worthless, and God will give us much more.

Jesus responds to this very simply by quoting Deuteronomy 6:13. "Worship the Lord and serve only Him". This is to be a foundation in our lives and will keep us safe from many wrong choices. We must never compromise for the sake of transitory and illusory gain.

Note  that Jesus commands satan to get away from Him. If we are submitted to Christ, then we too can tell the devil where to go.

Finally, the angels come to attend to Jesus. Remember that the devil had sought to get Jesus to force the angels to help Him by throwing Himself off the temple. God's angels will come at the right time. There are also times when we fight the battles without them, for there are some battles that only we can win. In this case it is the battle of where our true commitment lies.