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NASB | Matthew 4:1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 4:1 Then Jesus was led by the [Holy] Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. [Luke 4:1-13] |
Subject: What was the point of the temptation ? |
Bible Note: Christ was tempted in every way that we are. The devil approached and presented Christ with the same enticements he presents to us today. The difference as I see it, Jesus had not the internal agency to concede, we on the other hand do. What was then presented to Christ in the wilderness by satan, in His ministry, by the religious councils and many others, is the very same things that are presented to us to this very day. You and I can and do give into these at times. Christ, being divine in nature, had not the internal capabilities of succumbing to these. Like as we are, means just that, the temptation was there, the outward influence presented to Him, But never the thought of giving in, the internal condition to allow it. Jams 1:13, 14: 13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. “For God cannot be tempted with evil - Margin, “evils.” The sense is the same. The object seems to be to show that, in regard to the whole matter of temptation, it does not pertain to God. Nothing can be presented to his mind as an inducement to do wrong, and as little can he present anything to the mind of man to induce him to sin. Temptation is a subject which does not pertain to him. He stands aloof from it altogether. In regard to the particular statement here, that “God cannot be tempted with evil,” or to do evil, there can be no doubt of its truth, and it furnishes the highest security for the welfare of the universe. There is nothing in him that has a tendency to wrong; there can be nothing presented from without to induce him to do wrong: (1) There is no evil passion to be gratified, as there is in men; (2) There is no want of power, so that an allurement could be presented to seek what he has not; (3) There is no want of wealth, for he has infinite resources, and all that there is or can be is his Psa_50:10-11; (4) There is no want of happiness, that he should seek happiness in sources which are not now in his possession. Nothing, therefore, could be presented to the divine mind as an inducement to do evil.” – Albert Barnes Stand in Hs grace, WOS By the way, you are still leaving my questions unanswered. |