Good and Evil Tests

Some people test God because they sincerely want answers. But some people test God because they want to prove Him wrong. That was true throughout both the Old and New Testaments. When the Pharisees asked Jesus if they should pay taxes, Jesus understood they had an evil purpose. He said, Why do you test me. . . ? (Mk. 12, 15,17 NKJV) He knew they weren’t interested in the answer. They just wanted to trick Him.

Next, the Sadducees tested Jesus with evil in their hearts. (v. 18-27)

Then one of the scribes came. . . . (v. 28) And this man was different. Although he tested Jesus by asking a hard question, he did so with a pure motive. Jesus answered him, and the two had a discussion. Jesus recognized the scribe’s motives—and appreciated the scribe’s wise replies. Jesus said to the scribe, You are not far from the kingdom of God. (v. 34)

The scribe desired truth. Jesus’ response to him demonstrated His pleasure in a person who tests rightly—who asks questions because he seeks God.

Originally published May 5, 1989.