Series: The Crucible
Message: The Crucible
Preacher: Tommy Eickmann
Daily Walk: Tommy Eickmann

Refresh: Open with prayer. Read or listen to Psalm 108:5-13.​

Read: Matthew 4:1–11 (Message). Note 1–3 insights or questions that arise from the paraphrase. 

Reflect: The second temptation Jesus faces is atop the pinnacle of the temple. In verse 6, Satan challenges Him by saying:

If you are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: “He shall give His angels charge over you,” and, “In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone” (NKJV).

Jesus responds by quoting Deuteronomy 6:16: “You must not put the Lord your God to the test as you did at Massah” (REB). If you read Exodus 17:1–7, you have probably seen the similarity between the situation of the Israelites and Jesus. The rebellious Israelites challenge their covenant with God through the question, “Is the Lord in our midst or not?” and by provoking the Lord’s wrath (Deuteronomy 9:22;33:8; Psalms 95:8; Hebrews 3:8). Because the Israelites challenged and provoked the Lord, they proved that they were not worthy of the covenant between them. Jesus, on the other hand, refuses to throw Himself off the temple—not because of a lack of faith, but because honoring His Father excludes manipulation and putting God to the test.

Recalibrate: ​​​When have you tested God? When do you feel you have been tested? Do you think you passed your test(s)?

Respond: Pray for healing and a restored relationship between you and God.

Research: Read one of the suggested commentaries.