Every once in a while, there’s a cartoon featuring a guy obviously in the throes of making a difficult decision and there, on one shoulder is a mini cherub, and on the other, a mini demon. Both ‘guests’ are speaking in the ear of this befuddled person. One message is encouragement to do the right thing, the other, well, is suggesting a course of action bound to end badly. I wish I could say I can’t relate to this scenario, but it speaks into my situation louder than I would like. Furthermore, I wish I could say that I always listen only to that little cherub, following the halo-buffing directions without fail. Alas! There are times when the other dude seems to have a more enticing suggestion – for just this once, of course. Recently, at a coffee shop, the barista asked so innocently if I would like to add one of their delectably displayed bakery items to go with my coffee. A quick glance at the case, the briefest hesitation, and I’m happy to say that the cherub won! (phew! But it was close).
I’m super encouraged when I read: “He (Jesus) understands our humanity, for as a man, our magnificent King-Priest was tempted in every way just as we are, and conquered sin.” Hebrews 4:15, TPT. Incredible! Every kind of temptation I’ve ever experienced has already found its way toward the man, Jesus. His choosing to do the right thing and thereby conquer sin, is my example. In him, that is, in my new life in him, I, too, can conquer the sin waving its beckoning banner in my face. Whether or not I feel it’s a choice, there is a choice – every time. “We all experience times of testing, which is normal for every human being. But God will be faithful to you. He will screen and filter the severity, nature, and timing of every test or trial you face so that you can bear it. And each test is an opportunity to trust him more, for along with every trial God has provided for you a way of escape that will bring you out of it victoriously.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 TPT.
In Jesus’ 100% humanity, he, too, knew temptation! This aspect of his person developed in him a profound compassion for the lost and weary and broken souls he met every day. He had grown up in a small village where he had undoubtedly watched friends and neighbors experience the trials of life, sometimes successfully, sometimes not, with unpleasant consequences. Maybe the temptations in the wilderness were his ultimate test. Tired and hungry and weakened by days of fasting, and that’s when the devil comes to divert Jesus from his Father’s Plan ‘A ’- and Jesus sends him away defeated. I think, at the wedding feast in Cana, when the wine ran out and Mary approached him about it, Jesus was tempted to say no, to hide his glory for just a bit longer, but in obedience to his mother, he saved the day for the wedding couple, performed a miracle only for the eyes of some astonished servants, and revealed his true nature, bringing glory to his Father! PD
