Hebrews 2:18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

This verse keeps popping up, but we still don’t like to think of Jesus being tempted. In that, we deny His full humanity. If He weren’t genuinely tempted, how could He genuinely take the penalty of those who yield to temptation? Jesus was tempted not only sexually, but also tempted to lie, to hate, to grumble, to gluttony, to be disobedient to His parents, and the list goes on. There is no temptation we face that He cannot say, “I know how that feels.” He wasn’t faced with the constant onslaught of pornography we encounter today, because none of the media by which it is presented to us had been invented, but I’m sure there where good-looking girls who made their availability known to him, and what goes on internally is the real issue, as He Himself said. (Matthew 5:28, 15:19) Jesus didn’t just conquer death, He conquered temptation. Death was a one-time thing, but He had to deal with temptation for over 30 years! That’s why Paul could confidently assert, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13) Some translations render “a way out” as, “a way of escape.” We need to remember that temptations are attacks from the enemy of our soul, and treat them accordingly. As James famously said, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7) The first step in resisting temptation is submission to God! One of Jesus’ most fundamental characteristics was that He was totally submitted to His Father. That’s how He could overcome temptation, and it’s how we can as well.

I have a 75-year track record of yielding to temptation! I certainly can’t say I’m proud of it, but I can’t deny it, either. I know how tasty the temptation itself can seem! That’s why I’ve got to be active in my submission to God. Some temptations fade with age, but most do not. The temptation to self-justification, to putting other people down, can get stronger with age! I’ve got to remember that anything that is out of character for God is sin for me, and stay fully submitted to Him. I can’t possibly do that without His help, so that’s why this verse is so important. I’m never to think He’s left me to deal with this stuff alone! At the same time, everyone around me is likewise tempted, so I’m to be understanding and gentle with them, without compromising. Forgiving isn’t the same as excusing! I am to help people understand their sins, that they are sins, while at the same time imparting the grace and mercy of God. None of us can stand apart from the grace of God in Christ Jesus our Lord!

Father, thank You for this clear reminder. It’s something that needs to be proclaimed. You’ve already given me the message for tomorrow, so help me know when and how to share this one, so that Your children may be strengthened in their discipleship, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!