The Devil tests Jesus for second time
The Devil tests Jesus for the second time
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:
11 For God will tell his angels to keep you safe.
91:11Angels are God's servants. We cannot always see them, but they are there to help us.
They will protect you wherever you go.
12 They will hold you safely in their hands,
so that you do not hurt your foot on a stone.
91:12Satan used these words when he tested Jesus in the wilderness. Jesus told Satan that he was wrong to use these words to test him. See Matthew 4:6. Psalm 91:11-12 EasyEnglish Bible (EASY)
A powerful thought
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:
9 You have come to the Lord to make you safe.
The Most High God has become your home.
10 No bad thing will happen to you.
No illness will come to your home.
Psalm 91:9-10 EasyEnglish Bible (EASY)
Study the Bible carefully
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.
People wanted to see miracles
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:
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.
God's way
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.
