Gospel Journey

Was Jesus tempted like us?

During the week, we'll be looking at the suffering and resurrection of Christ for our devotional. If you haven't checked it out today, go there first. Then, come back here and take a look at some questions people ask:

First, look at Hebrews 4:14-16. This passage says that Jesus can can empathize with our temptation, because He was tempted in every way.

But, was Jesus tempted like us?

The temptation of Jesus was recorded in Matthew 4:1-11. In this temptation, Satan tempts Jesus to make stones into bread, to cast Himself off the pinacle of the temple, and to bow in worship to Satan. Three temptations...does that really count as being tempted in every way?

Consider I John 2:15-17 and then review the temptation:

1. Lust of the flesh. Jesus was starving hungry. Satan tempts Him with the idea of performing a miracle for his own good. Jesus did not perform miracles for self-gratification, but to bring honor and glory to God.

2. Lust of the eyes. Satan shows Jesus all of the kingdoms before Him. All it takes is for Jesus to bow once to Satan, with no one else looking, and Satan will release control to Jesus. Everything He sees could be released.

3. Pride of Life. As He stands on the pinacle of the temple, Satan tempts Him to jump down. Prophecies said Jesus would be preserved until His time of suffering. In one leap, Jesus could show Satan His authority. He could prove He is Who He says.

In I John 2:15-17, the apostle John establishes that every temptation we face can be categorized into these three areas. Jesus was tempted in every fasion that we were in just this one incident.

And if that doesn't convince you, keep in mind that Scripture gives us no reason to think this was the only temptation that Jesus faced.

posted by danny2 @ 3:55 PM