Scripture
For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
— Hebrews 2:18 (ESV)
Devotional
It is a common-place thought, and yet it tastes like nectar to the weary heart–Jesus was tempted as I am. You have heard that truth many times: have you grasped it? He was tempted to the very same sins into which we fall. Do not dissociate Jesus from our common manhood. It is a dark room which you are going through, but Jesus went through it before. It is a sharp fight which you are waging, but Jesus has stood foot to foot with the same enemy. Let us be of good cheer, Christ has borne the load before us, and the blood-stained footsteps of the King of glory may be seen along the road which we traverse at this hour. There is something sweeter yet–Jesus was tempted, but Jesus never sinned. Then, my soul, it is not needful for thee to sin, for Jesus was a man, and if one man endured these temptations and sinned not, then in his power his members may also cease from sin. Some beginners in the divine life think that they cannot be tempted without sinning, but they mistake; there is no sin in being tempted, but there is sin in yielding to temptation. Herein is comfort for the sorely tempted ones. There is still more to encourage them if they reflect that the Lord Jesus, though tempted, gloriously triumphed, and as he overcame, so surely shall his followers also, for Jesus is the representative man for his people; the Head has triumphed, and the members share in the victory. Fears are needless, for Christ is with us, armed for our defence. Our place of safety is the bosom of the Saviour. Perhaps we are tempted just now, in order to drive us nearer to him. Blessed be any wind that blows us into the port of our Saviour’s love! Happy wounds, which make us seek the beloved Physician. Ye tempted ones, come to your tempted Saviour, for he can be touched with a feeling of your infirmities, and will succour every tried and tempted one.
Reflection
Commonplace truth that tastes like nectar: Jesus was tempted as you are—same dark rooms, same sharp fights, same enemy foot to foot. Sweeter still: He was tempted and never sinned. Temptation is not itself sin; yielding is. He triumphed as the representative Man, so His members share the victory. Your safety is His bosom. Sometimes temptation drives you nearer. Blessed be any wind that blows you into the port of His love. Come to your tempted Savior; He can be touched with your infirmities and will help every tried one.
Goad
Are you treating temptation tonight as proof you must fall, instead of as a summons to the Savior who suffered being tempted and did not sin?
Tie-In
Morning’s angel armies serve the heirs. Evening’s tempted Lord helps the tempted. Protected from without; sympathized with from within. Same Jesus keeping His people.
Closing
Spurgeon’s classic text with a brief reflection to help today’s reader.
If these words have stirred something, sit with it.
NewGrapes Ministries. Making disciples, not pew-fillers. Soli Deo Gloria.