To prove His Divinity by testing God’s Promise.
The subject of CHRIST’S temptations, is a subject attended with much difficulty thoroughly to explain.
One of the great causes for which the SON of God was manifested, was, that he might destroy the works of the Devil. 1Jn_3:8
And if we take the whole purport of scripture on this point, one mass of particulars, we shall be led to conclude, that the quarrel between CHRIST and the devil was personal Jud_1:6; Rev_12:7-9.
Now when CHRIST came upon earth, the conflict was with this accursed enemy. Hence CHRIST combated personally with Satan; when he began his temptations, and afterwards at the cross. Heb_2:14.
He doth this also, when in his people He enables His redeemed to resist him, and at length brings Satan under their feet. Jas_4:7; Rom_16:20.
And there is another triumph, Scripture seems to intimate, which the Son of God will have over Satan, before the day of judgment; namely, when Satan is to be shut up, and restrained from his cursed temptations over the LORD’S people. Rev_20:1-3. Poor Man’s Commentary -Robert Hawker
Mat 4:5 Then the Devil took Him to the Holy City and caused Him to stand on the roof of the Temple,
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| Cast yourself down! |
Barnes :Then the devil taketh him up - This does not mean that he bore him through the air; or that he compelled him to go against his will, or that he performed a miracle in any way to place him there. There is no evidence that Satan had power to do any of these things, and the word translated taketh him Up does not imply any such thing. It means to conduct one; to lead one; to attend or accompany one; or to induce one to go. It is used in the following places in the same sense: Num_23:14; “And he (Balak) brought him (Balaam) into the field of Zophim,” etc. That is, he led him, or induced him to go there. Mat_17:1; “and after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James,” etc.; that is, led or conducted them - not by any means implying that he bore them by force.
and setteth him upon a pinnacle [the roof], John Gill or "wing of the temple". In this place (d) the Jews set James, the brother of Christ, and from it cast him down headlong: this was the ακρον "the summit", or "top" of it; and intends either the roof encompassed with battlements, to keep persons from falling off; or the top of the porch before the temple, which was 120 cubits high; or the top of the royal gallery, built by Herod, which was of such an height, that if a man looked down from it, he soon became dizzy (e). The view Satan had in setting him here appears in the next verse.
Situation has a lot to do with Temptations of Satan. Notice here :the roof of the temple, the temptation before, “the wilderness of Judea”; the next one, on the top of an exceedingly high mountain.
Don’t put yourself unwittingly in situations of Trial and Testing.
The Second Temptation itself.
Mat 4:6 and said, "If you are God's Son, throw yourself down; for it is written, "'TO HIS ANGELS HE WILL GIVE ORDERS CONCERNING THEE, AND ON THEIR HANDS THEY SHALL BEAR THEE UP, LEST AT ANY MOMENT THOU SHOULDST STRIKE THY FOOT AGAINST A STONE.'"
"If you are God's Son, throw yourself down;
RWP “Cast thyself down (bale seauton katō). The appeal to hurl himself down into the abyss below would intensify the nervous dread that most people feel at such a height. The devil urged presumptuous reliance on God and quotes Scripture to support his view (Psa_91:11.).
So the devil quotes the Word of God, misinterprets it, omits a clause, and tries to trip the Son of God by the Word of God. It was a skilful thrust and would also be accepted by the populace as proof that Jesus was the Messiah if they should see him sailing down as if from heaven. This would be a sign from heaven in accord with popular Messianic expectation. The promise of the angels the devil thought would reassure Jesus. They would be a spiritual parachute for Christ.”
Scripture says, 'He will put his angels in charge of you. They will carry you in their hands so that you never hit your foot against a rock.'"
Mat 4:7 "Again it is written," replied Jesus, "'THOU SHALT NOT PUT THE LORD THY GOD TO THE PROOF.'"
Jesus Reply to Satan.
Even though the devil had quoted the Scripture in his temptation he still could not deceive Jesus. The Lord still used Scripture to overcome Him.
Deu 6:16 You shall not tempt Jehovah your God as you tempted in Massah.MKJV
Deu 6:16 Never test the LORD your God as you did at Massah. GW
Thou shall not tempt the Lord thy God - This is quoted literally from Deu_6:16. The meaning is, thou shalt not try him; or, thou shalt not, by throwing thyself into voluntary and uncommanded dangers, appeal to God for protection, or trifle with the promises made to those who are thrown into danger by his providence. It is true, indeed, that God aids those of his people who are placed by him in trial or danger; but it is not true that the promise was meant to extend to those who wantonly provoke him and trifle with the promised help. Thus, Satan, artfully using and perverting Scripture, was met and repelled by Scripture rightly applied.Barnes
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