Tempted Like We Are

Tempted like We Are

Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil.

Matthew 4:1

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

Hebrews 2:18, NIV

We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.

Hebrews 4:15, NIV

We’re naturally skeptical of anyone who offers advice or opinions if they’ve never been where we are. What athlete wants coaching tips from someone who has never played the game? Who wants to trust a nurse who says, “It won’t hurt a bit,” if she has never had a shot?

Isn’t it a relief to know that Jesus understands what it is like to live in this world with its temptations? Jesus was tempted in all the ways we are. Jesus was tempted to lie in order to make himself look good. Jesus was tempted to cut corners in the carpenter’s shop to make a few extra bucks. Jesus was tempted to take a long, inappropriate look at a pretty girl when she walked by. Jesus was tempted to dishonor his parents when they didn’t understand him. Jesus was tempted to be jealous of someone else’s home when he had no home of his own. Jesus was tempted to seek revenge when someone he loved was senselessly murdered.

Jesus doesn’t roll his eyes or wonder why we would consider giving in to temptation. He doesn’t take lightly our struggles with sin, because he knows what it is like to be tempted. Jesus was tempted in all the ways we are—yet he never gave in to sin.

DISCUSSION STARTERS

Who do you usually take advice from? Why do you trust these people?

Is it possible to resist temptation? How?

Read Matthew 4:1-11. How does Jesus fight temptation in these verses? How can we use the same weapons to fight temptation?