Pinnacle of the Temple
Pinnacle of the Temple
President Quinn’s Weekly Message
California Santa Rosa Mission
February 22nd, 2026
I have enjoyed reading the Gospels of the New Testament in preparation for Easter. I know from our recently completed interviews that many of you are also enjoying this opportunity to study the life of Jesus Christ. I am grateful for these eyewitness accounts of the Savior’s earthly ministry. Thank you for accepting my invitation.
In the Gospel of Matthew, we read that the Savior was “led of the Spirit into the wilderness to be with God.” (JST Matthew 4:1). The Savior’s time in the wilderness was a time of preparation prior to beginning His three-year ministry – an earthy ministry that would end with His crucifixion and resurrection. For 40 days Jesus fasted and prayed, no doubt receiving critical instruction and strength from our Father in Heaven.
Following the Savior’s time in the wilderness, we read that “the tempter came to him” offering three temptations. I wish to focus my message today on the second temptation Satan offered to Jesus:
“Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, 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 said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” Matthew 4:5-6)
Satan cunningly orchestrated this temptation – foolishly thinking it would appeal to the Savior’s ego. Satan knew that one of the Savior’s purposes for coming to the earth was to gather disciples. The temple was the central structure in the city. On a typical day, thousands of people would have been visiting the temple. These people would have witnessed the miracle of the Savior being rescued by angelic hosts. Many would have been persuaded by this miracle to follow the Savior. Yielding to this temptation would have accelerated the Savior’s purpose of gathering disciples.
The Savior refused this temptation from Satan. Jesus understood something Satan did not. Yes, the miracle would have been witnessed by many people. Yes, they likely would have quickly accepted and followed the Savior. However, the Savior understood that discipleship rarely comes quickly. Discipleship requires prolonged effort and sacrifice. Discipleship requires a change of heart, which usually takes time and effort. The invitation extended by Satan would have given the Savior followers that were attracted to Him by what they saw with their eyes, instead of true discipleship earned from changing their hearts.
Your mission is a perfect time to give your heart to the Savior – to make the sacrifices and extend the efforts required to become a lifelong disciple of Jesus Christ. I invite you to spend time reflecting on the depth of your discipleship. What more can you do to give the Lord your heart? Please remember this caution given to us by the Savior:
“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:21)
I pray your most important treasure in life will be your relationship with Jesus Christ. I promise all other relationships and treasures in your life will be blessed as you give your heart to the Lord.
I testify the Lord desires to touch and change your heart. I know that as you give Him your heart, He will fill your heart with His love. I have felt His love for each of you. I witness that you are precious and dear to Him – you are of infinite worth to Him!
Sister Quinn and I are grateful to serve with you in CASRM. We love you with all our hearts!
Love,
President Quinn
(630) 881-4030
