May 8

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin. — Heb 4:15 BSB

Our gracious Lord was tempted in every way we are, for the Scriptures declare, “In all points he was tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” It is important to speak cautiously on this subject, for it is a deep and mysterious matter. As long as we stay within the bounds of Scripture, we are safe, but drawing conclusions without the guidance of the Spirit can lead us astray. You may sometimes think that your temptations are unlike anything the Lord could have faced, but the Apostle’s words settle this: “In all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”

It’s a mystery beyond our understanding how temptation could come upon the holy soul of our sinless Redeemer. I fully believe it, and I see the grace and wisdom in it, but I cannot explain it. I also know and believe from Scripture and from my own conscience that, whatever temptations He faced, not one of them left a stain on His holy humanity. He was perfect and pure—untainted by sin, able to die by His own voluntary act, yet without any seeds of sickness, mortality, or death. And yet, we read that, even in His perfect humanity, He was tempted in all points like us.

This is a mystery I don’t attempt to explain, but I receive it by faith, just as I receive the great mystery of godliness: “God was manifest in the flesh.” I praise God that He was tempted like us, for this makes Him such a compassionate High Priest for His tempted, tried family here on earth. I’ve sometimes likened the temptations that beat against the soul of the Lord to waves crashing against a white marble rock. The rock feels the impact of the waves, but it is neither moved nor sullied by them. It stands firm, unmoved, and still shines in its original brightness once the waves retreat. Similarly, none of the temptations that came against the Lord shook Him or tarnished His purity, holiness, or perfection as the spotless Lamb of God.