Temptation

Read Matthew 4

Jesus was led by the Spirit in order to be tempted by the devil. This is actually pretty shocking. We normally think about the Spirit leading us away from temptation. But, while this is our prayer (Matthew 6:13), it is not always what happens. There are times in each of our lives when temptation cannot be avoid; it must be confronted and overcome.

And how do we know about this story anyway? Jesus was alone. He had as yet no disciples. He Himself must have told them the tale. What was it like to hear the Lord of purity describe His temptations? Sure He did not feel guilty about them as we would... did He?  No, I don't think so. Perhaps it was in the telling that the temptation to condemn Himself for being tempted (which I know we often feel) was also overcome.

Hebrews 4:15 assures us that Jesus' temptation was real: "For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin." His answer to temptation, likewise, must be real.

To defeat the darkness, it must be brought into the light.



 
Yes, I know it probably wasn't actually an apple. :-)


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