Matthew 4:7 — “Jesus said to him, ‘On the other hand, it is written, “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.”’”

The temptation intensifies. Satan has been granted permission to confront Jesus, and he doesn’t waste a moment. Now he drags the King to the highest point of the temple—a place where all of Jerusalem could witness whatever happens next.

And then comes the shocking twist: Satan quotes Scripture!

He uses God’s own promises of protection as a weapon, urging Jesus to leap from the temple roof. If Jesus jumps, God must save Him… right? It’s a temptation wrapped in religious language, all designed to lure Jesus into gaining instant fame—crowds, applause, a massive following—without ever going to the cross.

But the real target is deeper.
Satan is suggesting that Jesus force His Father’s hand, bending the will of God to fit the will of the Son. The lie beneath it all?
“Your will matters more than the Father’s.”

Jesus’ response slices through the deception. The kingdom doesn’t operate on manipulation. God’s will is NOT a tool to use, twist, or pressure. The Father already knows every circumstance—and His will is to be trusted, not tested.

This scene reveals something sobering:
Satan may even guide us to Bible verses that appear to support what we want.
But when we genuinely seek God’s will—laying down our own desires—God brings balancing truth, clarity, and perspective. His voice cuts through confusion as we surrender our preferences.

And here’s the startling implication:
If we insist on believing a lie, God will let us.
But the good news is even stronger:
If we relentlessly pursue truth, God Himself guarantees we will find it (Matthew 7:7–11).

A powerful reminder: God’s will isn’t something to exploit—it’s something to trust.

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May God bless each of us as we seek to walk closer to Him!

Just a Follower of Jesus,

Alan W. Harris