'I Won't Play Your Game' - Matthew 4:5-7

[Continuing the temptations,] the devil took [Jesus] to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, "If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say,

'He will order his angels to protect you.
And they will hold you up with their hands
so you won't even hurt your foot on a stone.'"

Jesus responded, "The Scriptures also say, 'You must not test the Lord your God.'"


—Matthew 4:5-7 NLT

Key Thought​

Is Jesus really sure God is with him? Is he truly Immanuel, "God with us"? One sure place to know and to show this is the Temple. Throughout the Old Testament, the Tabernacle and later the Temple represented God's presence and protection for his people. Once again, Satan tempts Jesus like he tempted the Israelite — to make God's protection and care the condition on which loyalty is to be established. Jesus does not play Satan's game! Jesus is committed to honor his Father and to be faithful to him even though it means the path of suffering and death. The reason these early temptations of Jesus are so important is that they reveal that Jesus will not choose ANY shortcut to obedience! Whether Satan realizes it or not, when Jesus walks out of the desert victorious over him and his temptations, Jesus is demonstrating that Satan's doom is assured. Jesus chooses God's plan even though it means suffering, death, and personal ridicule on a cross. What is the cost of my following God? Will I choose faithfulness over ... ?

Today's Prayer​

Almighty Deliverer and Faithful God, in light of your centuries of faithfulness to your people, your preservation of them in the face of great calamity and struggle, I recognize my inconsistency and weakness. Give me a heart to recognize the long-term consequences of my decisions about Satan's challenges, both large and small. Please empower me to choose faithfulness. I believe you are my rock and my salvation, so I rest my hope in you. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings​

• Psalm 91:1-2
• Deuteronomy 6:16-18
• Psalm 95:8-9

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Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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[Alby]

The devil will bring all kinds of temptations to our life. If he tempted Jesus, He will do it to anyone who believes and trusts His word. All we have to do when tempted by satan is this. Cast him out in the name of Jesus. He will flee from you and all your depression, all your worry and fear will depart from you. Bow down before the Lord and thank Him. Deliverance comes from His mercy and compassion for us.