The Life of Jesus Christ - Chapter 2 - John the Baptist and Jesus begin their work - Part 8
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An online Bible Study course by Barrie Wetherill about the life of Jesus. This book is in EasyEnglish Level B. Use the links below for other online Bible Study books and commentaries that will help you. Or go to the Word List, which explains words with a *star.
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The Devil put Jesus on the very top of the *Temple. This was to test him. He told him to throw himself down. He said this: 'God would protect Jesus. Words from the Bible show that. This would impress the crowds of people who saw it. The Bible says, "For he will tell his *angels to protect you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands. Then you will not hit your foot against a stone".' Psalm 91:11-12
The *Devil tested Jesus with a powerful thought. It is very clever. Perhaps the *Devil did not think that he would win the first time. He wanted to prepare for the second time. Then he tested Jesus again. Jesus refused to obey the first time. He trusted that his Father would care for the needs of his body. 'Quite right!', said the *Devil. And the *Devil used this trust. He mentioned the words from Psalm 91 to make his idea seem right. He used only some of the words. He did not use the words that come first. These words are very important:
‘v9 Make the *Most High, who is the Lord, your home and your safe place – v10 then no hurt will come to you. You will be quite safe’.
This reminds us about an important principle. We need to know the words of the Bible well. If we think of Bible words, we must be careful. If somebody mentions Bible words to us, we must be careful. If the words tell us to do something wrong, we must be careful. There are other words round these words. We must think about them too. Think about the whole story. And think about the message in other parts of the Bible, too. Only then can we know if we really understand the words. People can use the Bible in a right way or in a wrong way.
Many people would oppose Jesus. He knew this. Many people would not trust him, unless they saw special signs. They needed signs. These proved that he was from God. If he could impress them by a few special signs, people would believe. They would very easily believe that he was the *Messiah. The *Devil suggests that this would be wise. It would be an easy way to give a sign to the people. Then they would listen to Jesus.
Jesus knew that his Father will guide him. He also knew what God does not want. God does not want foolish behaviour. He does not want anyone to be in unnecessary danger. He does not want anyone to force him to act.
When the *Devil tested Jesus in this way, Jesus replied. He spoke words from Deuteronomy 6:16:
It is wrong to test God.
These are very important words. Jesus knew about the events at Massah. This was when the Jews were in the desert. We can read about it in Exodus 17:1-7. The Jews complained about Moses. They said, ‘Is the *Lord among us or not’? They were really complaining about God. They wanted God to do something. They made Moses ask God for water, by a *miracle. The Jews wanted a sign, that is, a *miracle. This would prove that God was with them. God would help them in his time and in his own way. They had to learn this. God will help us in his own good time. We have to trust God.
Jesus would not use the *Devil's way to make people believe in him. He would not show his power like this. He chose God's way, although it was the hard way. He chose to serve other people. He chose to suffer. His life ended at the *cross. But after the *cross, it led to *glory. People who trust Jesus now, must also choose God's way. It has been like this ever since the time of Jesus.
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