His temptation, our temptation

Read: Hebrews 4:15 and I Corinthians 10:13

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15

Jesus suffered temptation, fought it, and succeeded so that we could know that we could do it too. He also experienced how difficult and painful it can be, so He knows that fighting temptation is difficult.
Remember that nothing is new. Jesus was tempted by the same things we are. I Corinthians 10:13 tells us that absolutely every temptation is common, no matter how weird, unique, or shameful it might feel. Sometimes it seems like there must be more temptations today than there was in Jesus’ time. He didn’t deal with road rage or internet porn, right? But anger and lust have always been around, and Jesus faced real temptations too.
Remember that there is always a way out. It can seem impossible to resist temptation, especially if you can’t just avoid it or if you’ve sinned in that way in the past. But the Bible says no temptation that you face will be too hard for you to resist. God makes a way for you, even though it may be a difficult way.
Remember that Jesus doesn’t just know what it’s like; He cares. He sympathizes. Jesus successfully resisted temptations, and it didn’t make Him prideful or judgmental. Instead He is encouraging. He is our example of how to fight temptation.

Questions for discussion and reflection

  • What temptation seems too hard to overcome?
  • How can you try again, knowing that Jesus understands how hard it is and wants to help?

Prayer
Dear God, thank You for providing Jesus as an example to us. Give us courage and strength to fight temptation like He did. Thank You that he loves and defends us. In Jesus name, amen.