Introductory Thoughts
Man has no greater high priest than the Lord Jesus Christ for the Lord knows what man endures. Like man, He was tempted in all points. In a basic sense, man’s temptations involve three distinct facets: “the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:16). During the Lord’s earthly ministry, He faced and conquered temptation in each area (Matthew 4:1-11). As such, the Lord is “touched with the feeling of our infirmities” (Hebrews 4:15). He knows what it is like to face the temptation to depart from the will of God. He knows what it is like to be tempted to sin against the Heavenly Father. Yet, He differs from man in that His temptation was without the knowledge of sin, for He was victorious in all points.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Even through His trial and crucifixion, Jesus was tempted (Luke 22:63-65; Matthew 27:34, 39-42). Yet, He never sinned (Luke 23:33-34; 1 Peter 2:21-23). Knowing the word of God can help us be more like Him during our times of temptation (Psalm 119:11).
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(For everyone): Study the record of the temptation of Christ. Match His temptation with the three areas in which man can also be tempted. What was the Lords weapon of choice in obtaining victory over temptation? How can you use the same weapon to withstand temptation today?
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Job longed for a daysman that might lay his hand upon both God and man (Job 9:33). How was this answered in Christ?
Prayer Thoughts
- Thank the Lord for enduring temptation.
- Ask God to help you handle temptation as the Saviour did.
Song
WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS
