False Promises
False Promises
Read: Matthew 27:41-44
Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him.
Matthew 27:42
IN WORD This had to be an awfully tempting offer. Jesus came into the world to save sinners through their faith. What could possibly be wrong with coming down off the cross in order for people to believe? But we know the answer: Sin had to be paid for with holy blood. Jesus knew that answer, too.
We’d do well to use Jesus as our model. Temptations often look reasonable to us—even seeming to fit the will of God. But just because something appears to accomplish God’s ultimate purposes doesn’t mean it fits with God’s ways. God’s will always conforms to His character. In God’s plans, the ends do not justify the means. In God’s plans, ends and means work together for the ultimate goal. Whenever they don’t, we can be assured that we’re being tempted.
Jesus knew their taunt was false. We’re given no evidence that He considered the crowd’s dare. As satisfying as the demonstration of self-deliverance would have been, there was a greater demonstration going on: the mercy of God. Justice was being done on our behalf. Jesus could see ahead to the glory beyond the grave, and He knew that in retrospect He would be utterly vindicated. Temptation has no grip on those who live with an eternal perspective.
IN DEED Satan’s methods throughout Scripture are consistent. He promises good things if we’ll accomplish them in disobedient ways. Adam and Eve were promised knowledge and godhood; in the wilderness, Jesus was promised all the world’s kingdoms; and here, He was promised the faith of the mockers—if He would just prove Himself. But He knew the hearts of men. “They will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead,” He had once said (Luke 16:31).
Beware of the promise of good things. God’s offers of abundant life always imply obedience. Satan’s offers of the high life never do. Like our Savior on the cross, know the difference.
Be thoroughly acquainted with your temptations and the things that may corrupt you.
—RICHARD BAXTER
From the book
