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In Every Way

"For 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, emphasis mine

 Have you ever really stopped to think about the words in this verse? Many will be familiar with it, but we don't always stop to think about what it means. Jesus was tempted in every way imaginable: the good, the bad and the downright ugly. Sure, we know that the devil tempted him with food, wealth and a chance to prove his power when he was in the wilderness. We even realize that he had some reservations about going to the cross. However, what about those temptations that the Bible doesn't even mention?

 It's easy to read this verse and think of a few simple temptations that Jesus would have faced. Some examples are disobeying his parents, cheating on his taxes, even occasionally smacking his disciples over the head when they started fighting amongst themselves (I know I would've been). When we get into the less normal and by far less attractive sins, though, we falter. Surely Jesus never was tempted to attack anyone or commit sexual immorality. Those things are too horrible for someone as righteous as Jesus to be tempted with. What we fail to remember when we think this way are the words emphasized in the verse above. Jesus was tempted in every way that we are, so that he would be able to understand our weaknesses. He had to be fully human as well as being fully God to be able to save us and redeem us from our sins. 

 So we have hope that we will be able to face any temptation and come out on top when we rely on Christ's strength to help us. He has already faced every temptation, so he knows just what we need to look Satan in the eye and say "No way Jose! I'm not going to do what you want me to do because I'm living for something more than all you have to offer me. I am a child of the King of heaven, and I refuse to be your slave anymore." So next time you're feeling tempted, I advise you to remember this statement and the above verse, and keep praying and saying no to the temptation until it sticks and you overcome in Christ's strength.

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