Speaking the Truth in Love
Tempted In All Things
The account of Christ’s temptation in Matthew 4:1-11 describes to us the direct temptation of Jesus by Satan. In the account we see how Jesus resisted these temptations. While this is here for our learning and is a great example for us, we want to look at some of the other times Christ was in situations that could have led to sin. Yet He endured and remained sinless. These temptations are the same that we are apt to deal with in our daily lives (Hebrews 4:14-16).
Work: We know that Joseph was a carpenter and Jesus took up his father’s line of work. In Mark 6:3, He would have worked and earned a living in this trade, until he started his ministry. We must remember people grew up quicker in this time period; a person’s childhood ended much earlier as compared to now. Thus it is very likely that Jesus worked for 20 or so years. Work can be the source of many temptations. From co-workers, from clients, from bosses, from company policies, from liberties that one is granted, etc. etc. In addition the temptation that many contractors face is to cheat clients on materials in order to increase their profits.
Poverty: Luke 9:58 we know that once Jesus started his ministry he had nothing but the clothes on his back and he acknowledges that here. Early in life Christ’s family was in poverty (Luke 2:22-24, Leviticus 12:6-8). So from our reference to the sacrifice his parents offered, following in his earthly father’s career path and what Christ says about his state later, Christ experienced poverty all his life.
Rejection by loved ones: In John 7:1-5 we not only see that His family rejects him, but they mock him as well. Jesus could have given into the temptation to lash out at his family and friends who rejected Him. But He rose above that and by setting a good example influenced His family toward God (Acts 1:14).
Loss of loved ones: After Luke’s chapter 2 account of Jesus’ separation from his parents during the Passover, we do not read any more of his earthly father Joseph. Mary is mentioned many times, however. In John 19:25-27 Jesus entrusts the care of his mother to His apostle John. While we can’t say for sure, it seems logical to assume that Jesus endured the loss of his earthy father during his life. As those who have lost loved ones know, this can be a great time of temptation. A time when one might be tempted to lash out at God or others. Jesus did not do this.
Attempts at entrapment: In Luke 20:19-26 and John 8:1-11 we see men with no interest in truth with a goal catching Jesus in a sin or a lie. Yet, Christ does not lose his temper. Rather, He uses his wisdom to completely confound these evil men. When one is put in this situation in life, it is very tempting to lose your temper.
Anger: Immediately when we think of someone being angry we often assume that somehow, they must have sinned; anger and sin seem mutually inclusive. But, we see in Ephesians 4:26, we can be angry without sin. Indeed we have illustrations of Christ seemingly angry; probably the most obvious is Christ cleansing of the temple in John 2:13-17. We also have Matthew 23 where Jesus rails on the scribes, Pharisees, and hypocrites for the entire chapter. He points out many of their sins; hypocrisy, false teachings, and arrogance. He calls them hypocrites, blind guides, lawless, serpents, and vipers. Yet in these examples he controls His anger and does not sin.
Betrayal: In John 18:1-11and Mark 14:43-50 we see Jesus being betrayed by one of his apostles (Judas Iscariot) and arrested by soldiers with weapons, yet Jesus does not sin. Quite the opposite; he even does a good deed by healing Malchus’ ear. Being arrested for false charges and accusations would be a time of great temptation for the Lord. Seeing the same people who were supposed to be receiving and obeying the Messiah, turning Him in as a common criminal. On top of that, this arrest was led by one of Jesus’ handpicked apostles.
Persecution: In Matthew 27:27-31 and Luke 22:63-65 we see Jesus being tortured, beaten, and ridiculed yet he remains sinless. He is all powerful and could have ended all this with a thought; yet he does not. In this He does not strike out at his tormentors. He endures because He knows this is God’s Will for Him. If Jesus gave in to any temptation, He would have failed His mission to be the perfect atoning sacrifice for all mankind. He endures this persecution and remains sinless. Imagine being in his state, having the power to think these evil people into a pile of ashes, and yet not do it. This illustrates how Jesus endured more temptations than you or I will ever face. Yet we have sinned and He did not!
Going back to Hebrew 4:14-16, we see that Jesus indeed did endure all the same temptations we deal with in this life and more. We see where Jesus dealt with situations very similar to those of today. We also see that He endured temptations far above and beyond anything we will ever experience. Yet, in all this, Jesus remained sinless.
Now that we have talked about this Savior who lived a life without sin and who wants to be your High Priest, What will you do with Jesus? Will you reject Him like the Pharisees and Judas or will you submit to Him? Today is the day of Salvation! Repent and be baptized for the remission of your sins, and then you will have the benefits of a perfect Savior and High Priest interceding with God the Father for you! We hope to see you next time on “Speaking The Truth In Love”!
