Tempted Like Us

NOTE: I am sorry for the delay in posting today's devotional. I have been in the hospital the last few days and was not "ahead" enough to cover it. All is well. God bless!

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16 ESV).

 

Our reading today gives us another insight into the nature of Jesus after the incarnation. The writer od Hebrews says that Jesus was “tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” (v. 15). I often find that it is easier to believe that Jesus did not sin than it is to believe that he was tempted just as we are. We know what temptation is all about, from the temptation to tell little lies as children, to the temptation to give in to our surging hormones as teenagers, to the temptation to turn a blind eye to anger and vengeance as adults. Let’s unpack this incredible truth briefly.

 

The Scripture does indicate that Jesus was tempted (cf. Matthew 4). Since he was also human, it is completely plausible that he was tempted in many of the same ways we are today. Jesus faced all the same temptations we do. Perhaps he was tempted by the allure of sexual sin, or greed, or even pride. But, the difference between Jesus and us is that he never let desire get the better of him and lead him into sin.

 

For example, let’s look at just one of the temptations we face regularly. It comes from our desire to possess things. To possess them we must have money to buy them (even though some choose to obtain these things through other even more destructive means). Jesus had a lot to say about this. But before he said any of those things, Jesus had worked with his hands and had been paid for his labors. He had learned the value of money and the good it could do to provide for his household. But he didn’t let money rule his life.

 

The principle then becomes following His example in all our temptations. His help is always available to us in every temptation (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:13.) And, His forgiveness and grace are available in our failures. This truth is a part of what we celebrate in the birth of our Savior!