Pretext (n): a reason given in justification of a course of action that is not the real reason.

The twisted lesson this week – taking a message out of context can create a pretext. We turn to Matthew 4:1-11 where the devil tries to use every tool to tempt Jesus in the wilderness. This includes using scripture – Psalm 91:11-12 – in an attempt to have Jesus jump from the top of the temple. But he leaves out a critical line – “to guard you in all your ways;” – to create a pretext.

It’s a reminder that we must be vigilant in our study of scripture and understand the full context of what is written.