“Tempted”

A couple of years ago I was speaking at a week of camp and this guy had a T-shirt with these words printed across the front “Lead Me Not Into Temptation, I Can Find the Way Myself.”  I don’t think that was the point of Jesus’ instruction; He wasn’t suggesting that we refuse the help so we can find sin on our own.  He knew how easily we can go down the wrong path and encouraged us to seek God’s strength to say, “No.”  You might say, “What did Jesus know about temptation?”  That subject has been a point of debate among theology students for years.  Was Jesus really tempted or not?  The answer seems quite simple from Hebrews.  Was Jesus human?  Yes.  Are humans subject to temptation?  Yes.  Was Jesus really tempted?  Yes.  In fact, it was because He was tempted that He knows how to help us in our temptation.  He was without sin but He knew what it meant to be tempted.  Ever have one of those days, or maybe a series of those days?  Days when temptation just pesters you like black flies?  The apostles wrote, “No temptation has taken you that is not common to all people.”  In other words, we are all tempted, but the One who was faithful in overcoming temptation is also faithful to help us.   Temptation is a test; a test we have all too often failed.  But, we can know the victory that is promised when we come to Brother Jesus for help.  He knows.  He cares.  And, He can help!