Temptation Without Sin

"And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season."

Luke 4:13 (KJV)

Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit to go into the wilderness where He was tempted by the devil.  After shattering all temptations with the word of God, Satan departed from Him for a season.  The NKJV renders this passage "...until an opportune time."  It is useful for us to know Jesus did not draw upon divine reserves or abilities born again Christians lack, for He wisely wielded the word of God to counter every temptation.  This ought to bring our hearts great comfort, that God supplies wisdom and strength to recognise and defeat all temptation to sin.

We observe the season of temptation had an end, yet opportunities for temptation would come again.  Jesus had been fasting from food for 40 days and was at a physically weak point when the devil suggested He turn stones into bread.  This shows us Satan will tempt us to sin in the area where we are currently weak.  He looks for opportunities to lead us to satisfy fleshly appetites rather than continuing to trust in God and obey His word.  Jesus understood obedience to the word of God was of greater importance than filling His stomach with food even when He was starving, for His life was in God and for God.

God had to physically become a human to experience and resist temptation, and it is not a sin to be tempted because Jesus remained without sin.  Hebrews 4:15 says, "For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin."  Jesus experienced the same temptations we do, yet He was able to remain pure, holy and righteous.  It was required under the Law of Moses for people who had sinned to bring their sacrifice before the high priest and confess their sins, and when we believe on Jesus as Saviour He understands perfectly the lure of temptation as well has how we have chosen sin over obedience to God.

Because we have a great High Priest who understands our struggles in seasons of sins, the context of Hebrews 4:16 shines bright with loving acceptance for the humble sinner:  "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."  The human body needs food, and we sinners need forgiveness and strength to resist the temptation to sin.  We are powerless in ourselves to keep resisting a single temptation, but thanks be to God who has overcome by the power of the Holy Spirit and the word of God given to us.  Jesus Christ has given Himself to us by shedding His own blood on Calvary, and now we can obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.  Let our confidence not be in our ability or wits to avoid temptation but in Jesus Christ Who has overcome all temptation and sin that easily besets us.