The Gospel of Matthew describes a time early in Christ Jesus' ministry when he was in the wilderness being "tempted of the devil" (see Matt. 4:1–11). One challenge the tempter presented was for him to jump down from "a pinnacle of the temple," probably a corner of the outer court that commanded a panoramic view.

Since the tempter had no power actually to cast Jesus down, he was daring the Master to cast himself down, goading him to prove his divine nature by performing a daredevil stunt. Jesus resolutely refused to do it—he refused to jump. And that very refusal, given with divine authority and contrary to all the tempter's emotional propaganda and bullying, contained the genuine proof of Jesus' divine nature.

Those who are Christ Jesus' disciples walk in his footsteps. They will encounter trials and temptations, just as he did. But they need never wonder as to the outcome of such trials, nor lose the way by which to walk through them. Jesus has clearly left behind an example to direct, sustain, and encourage his followers.

This temptation experience of the Way-shower came to mind recently when I found myself confronted with controversy. It seemed everyone was choosing up sides and facing off in debates that often became very bitter. I had a perspective on the issues under discussion that was informed by professional expertise as well as deeply felt convictions. Most important among my convictions was that I wanted to conform to this guideline for conflict resolution found in Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy: "The suppositional warfare between truth and error is only the mental conflict between the evidence of the spiritual senses and the testimony of the material senses, and this warfare between the Spirit and flesh will settle all questions through faith in and the understanding of divine Love" (p. 288).

One day the situation came to a head. Someone had made public statements that were the very opposite of what I felt was right, and I had an equally public forum in which to refute them. In fact, I felt pushed to respond. It was at that point that I recalled the example of Christ Jesus. Perhaps he had felt pressured to prove himself and to defend his cause from attack. But he didn't jump. And that made all the difference. So I didn't jump either. I didn't prepare a volley of arguments to attack and destroy my colleague's position. And just as soon as I was clear in that decision, the sense of terrible compulsion, coupled with anger and resentment, was replaced by genuine love, for my colleague and for the work in which we were engaged. At that moment I honestly felt the presence of angels ministering to me, just as they had to Jesus at the conclusion of his temptation trials.

The Master's refusal to jump wasn't a sign of weakness but of magnificent courage. He resolutely resisted doing the tempter's bidding. But, as his ministry shows, he was always ready to respond to God's commands. He was clear that divine power directed and authorized his activities, for he declared, "He that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him" (John 8:29).

Personal domination and emotional impulse are two ways the tempter would exert a bullying influence, and its purpose is still the same: to make people jump to its tune. People who feel pushed often push others, committing acts of individual or group violence. Yet it is this very sense of being pushed that gives the tempter away, even if the false influence masquerades as our own thoughts and impulses. Sometimes it is very right to take a stand, or to intervene and protect an individual or a cause. But this should only happen when God points the way. Whereas the tempter pushes, God, divine Principle, directs. While someone experiencing temptation feels oppressive compulsion, one who recognizes himself as under the control of divine Principle feels support and is uplifted by the gentle yet irresistible power of God.

Refusing to jump to the tempter's command requires courage and clarity of vision to discern the difference between God's leading and the tempter's prodding; but such refusal is neither difficult nor unnatural. With Biblical authority, Christian Science teaches that each individual is, in truth, the spiritual offspring of God, tributary to God alone and by nature free from any other dependence. We each, therefore, have divine authority to declare our independence from domination or false impulse. Science and Health says: "God has endowed man with inalienable rights, among which are self-government, reason, and conscience. Man is properly self-governed only when he is guided rightly and governed by his Maker, divine Truth and Love" (p. 106).

God would not cast His beloved Son, Christ Jesus, down from the pinnacle of holy vision. Instead, He lifted him up to the resurrection and ascension. God does not ever cast down any one of His children. And if, in reaction to the coaxing, taunting, and bullying of the tempter, someone jumps—casts himself down—divine Love is ready to redeem and uplift him.

The Master never swerved from strict allegiance to God's demands. Nor need we. His example stands today as proof that a life directed by God has God's authority, protection, and stability to guide it under every circumstance. So, follow—don't jump!—