Satan wasn’t done tempting Jesus to do wrong. Jesus had prepared Himself for this hour by learning the Scriptures and by much prayer with His heavenly Father. He had hidden the Word of God in His heart—memorizing, obeying, and trusting the Father’s love and care for Him.
The second time Satan tempted Jesus, he took Jesus up onto a pinnacle of the temple, saying, “If you’re the Son of God, prove it by throwing yourself down from here, because it is written, “He will command His angels concerning You…….On their hands they will bear You up lest You strike Your foot against a stone (Psalm 91:11, 12). He left out “to guard You in all Your ways” meaning all the ways of God’s choosing.
Jesus refused, giving us an example of trusting in God and His word. Again He answered with Scripture, saying, “It is written, you shall not put God to the test.”
A third time Satan tempted, taking Jesus to a high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in beautiful array, saying, “All these I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.”
“Be gone Satan!,” Jesus answered, “You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only you shall serve.” Satan left, and heavenly angels came and gave Jesus food and encouragement from heaven.
Today Satan tempts us to be dishonest, ignore our conscience, and live selfishly. But we can rise above that destructive lifestyle and live a wonderful life of other-centered love by letting Jesus live in us through the power of the Holy Spirit. As it says in James 4:7, 8, “Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you.” Now that’s real living!
If you have a question for Bible Mentor Marie Odell you can contact her by emailing: marieodell04@gmail.com
Marie Odell is a member of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church.
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