Sketchy Lent: The Temple
A visual devotional on Jesus’ second temptation in the wilderness
And he took him to Jerusalem and 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 will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,' and 'On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.'" And Jesus answered him, "It is said, 'You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.'" (Luke 4:9-12, ESV)
Resisting the Temptation to Test
Have you ever heard advice that sounded wise at first but was really disastrous? That’s kind of what happened to Jesus during the second temptation in the wilderness.
The devil took Jesus to the pinnacle of the temple in Jerusalem and challenges Him to throw Himself down, quoting from Psalm 91 to suggest that God would protect Him.
But Jesus recognizes this as a temptation to test God, to manipulate Him into acting on His behalf. He responds by quoting from Deuteronomy 6:16, which refers back to the Israelites' experience at Massah, where they quarreled and tested the Lord, saying, "Is the Lord among us or not?" (Exodus 17:7).
Like the Israelites, we may be tempted to test God, especially when we're in difficult or uncertain situations. We may demand that God prove Himself to us, that He act in the way we want Him to act. We may even say this is proof of our great faith in God. But this is a dangerous path that reveals a lack of trust in God's goodness and faithfulness.
The season of Lent is a time to examine our hearts and to repent of the ways we've tested God, doubting His presence and His care for us. It's an opportunity to reaffirm our trust in Him, even when we can't see the way forward. As we journey through this season, let's ask God to help us resist the temptation to test Him and to deepen our faith in His unfailing love.
Reflections
Have you ever put God to the test, demanding that He prove Himself to you? What was the situation, and how did you respond?
Why is it dangerous to test God? What does it reveal about our faith and our relationship with Him?
Consider Jesus' response to the devil's temptation. He quotes Scripture to counter the devil's misuse of Scripture. How can you use God's Word to resist temptation and to strengthen your faith in difficult times?
Prayer
Father, thank you that you do care for us even in difficult times. We confess that times we have doubted you and grumbled like the Israelites did at Massah. We trust Your ways are better than our own. Help us to trust and have faith in You during difficult times and not put you to the test.
Amen.