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“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

One of my favourite things, in addition to photography, is basketball. And before you challenge meto on a one-on-one or a full-court game, let me tell you now, “I love basketball.” But that doesn’t mean I “play” the game. I’m just a fan, not a baller. Now one of the basketball (or hockey) things that we can relate spiritual matters to is trash-talking. It’s the use of vulgarity, insulting, and boastful words to demoralize an opponent. A trash-talking hooper’s goal is to cause players from the opposing team to become emotional and lose their focus. When the focus is gone, it’s easier to defeat the other guys.

That’s exactly what temptation does. Every one of us has weaknesses and therefore can be tempted. We may be strong and immovable with some temptations, but some things can cause us to waver. No human being is exempted from temptations. But being tempted alone is not a sin, it is when we respond wrongly do we violate God’s law.

According to the writer of the book of Hebrews, even the Lord Jesus was tempted. This means He fully understands what it means and feels to be tempted. He isn’t some cold, uninvolved God who looks at us from a distance and doesn’t care how we feel. He cares; He understands.

The writer presents Jesus as the Great High Priest, who, just like the high priests in the Old Testament, was tempted in every way. The only difference is that they sinned; He didn’t. Matthew 4:1-11 details the Lord’s success over temptation after fasting for forty days and forty nights.

I don’t know about you, but there are times I fall into temptation, especially when I’m without sleep, or food, or when I’m tired. It’s just the fallen man taking over. I even tend to be in anguish because of my failures, but the truth is, even then, I know Jesus understands whatI'm going through. He knows how heavy my burden is and He can help me. 

In fact, He invites us to come to Him:

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30

The enemy is so smart that he knows how to get in our heads. Again, being tempted isn’t a sin; it is when we make the wrong decision do we sin. But let’s not forget that each time Satan lures us, God always gives us a way out (1 Corinthians 10:13). We can be tempted, but we have a choice to not give in.

Pursue the Saviour today!