A Concord Minute: Temptations and trials

“Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, oso that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” - Hebrews 2:14-18

Have you ever wondered if Jesus doesn’t care about your temptations and trials? Have you ever wondered if Jesus has no experience or personal “been there, done that” with your own temptations? Jesus certainly didn’t experience temptation; He didn’t experience the human problem of trials, right? You and I tell ourselves that Jesus can’t possibly know how we feel. But this is not so. Have you wanted to turn stone into bread? Jump off the temple and let the angels save you? (Mt. 4) Have you been tempted to ask your heavenly father to take away the cup you’re supposed to drink (Luke 22), to the point you’re sweating blood knowing what was coming next for you? Have you ever been tempted to jump down from that cross as your own sons and daughters mocked and derided you (Mark 15)?

I doubt it, but Jesus has endured all temptations for you. To be honest, Jesus suffered more than you ever will. Your trials in this life are significant, don’t hear me discounting your temptations. Simply put, Jesus could have come down off that cross, but he went willingly forth for you. Thanks be to God he did not fall into temptation, that when Jesus was put to the test he did not falter. Jesus has overcome temptation, tests, and trials for you. The purpose of Jesus coming into the world:“He had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation (achieve forgiveness) for the sins of the people”. You have a brother in the flesh, incarnate, and his name is Jesus.

Jesus has experienced your temptations. Jesus lived in temptation, yet He did not fall into sin. Heb. 2:18 - “For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted”. Jesus is the pioneer of our salvation. Through the desert of temptation, we walk in the footsteps of Christ, the one made incarnate for you. Though temptations will continue until Christ returns, they are helpful for us to push us to Jesus. Christ Jesus is with you through your baptism to help guide and lead you through temptation. You have “outs” for your temptations: Jesus is with you, he will never leave you nor forsake you. This is the purpose of Christ’s incarnation: to bear your sufferings, die for them, and rise, and be with you through all temptations, tests and trials. Hallelujah!

The Rev. Matthew Berry is pastor of Concordia Lutheran Church in Sikeston, Missouri. Based in Sikeston’s Historic North End, Concordia is a member congregation of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), a theologically conservative, biblically sound, Christ-centered church.