Jesus’ Pattern: No Negotiation With the Suggestion
I want us to examine our big brother Jesus, how He handled temptation.
Matthew 4
King James Version
1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,
Jesus is led to be tempted. The enemy speaks a suggestion. Jesus responds. And what stands out is that Jesus does not treat the suggestion as something to entertain.
He is fasting, and naturally He is hungry, but if He gives in, He negates the purpose He was sent for. So there is no extended discussion. No compromise. No back and forth. He answers with what is written because He is fully persuaded that obedience is not optional, no matter what it costs the flesh.
It is also important to remember that the enemy knows scripture. That means the presence of scripture language is not, by itself, proof that something is God’s will. Many can quote scripture and twist it to justify what they want. That does not make it truth.
the enemy quoted the scripture to Jesus in the 6 verse; 6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Jesus knew in that moment it was not the will of God. This is why we must discern the season and the way God is dealing with us. Moving out of season, before the time, or applying scripture improperly can lead to missing God.
Final Thoughts
There is a way to respond that ends the conversation. Jesus shows that the suggestion does not deserve a seat at the table. When obedience is settled, temptation loses room to negotiate.
Reflection Prompts
Where have I been allowing a “suggestion” to become a conversation?
What area do I need to be fully persuaded in obedience—no compromise, no delay?
Have I ever been tempted to use scripture to justify what I already wanted?
Worship Response
CeCe Winans - More Than This // Sanctuary
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lVwri-0cgM&list=RD5lVwri-0cgM&start_radio=1
Prayer
Father, settle my heart in obedience. When suggestions come—especially ones tied to real emotions or needs—teach me not to negotiate. Keep me from being persuaded by anything out of season or outside of Your will. Help me respond with what is written and remain fixed. In Jesus’ name, amen.
