Devotions For Lent – Day 35

He Never Gave In

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”         (Hebrews 4:15)

Read Matthew 4:1-11.

To an outsider, it seems that because Jesus never sinned, He could not know what temptation was like or how strong temptation could be. But in our Scripture reading today, we see proof that just the opposite is true. Only those who try to resist temptation know how strong it is. Jesus knows the battle, yet He never gave in. He is the only One who knows the true depth of the struggle. He was tempted to lie and covet, to murmur disgust and pout with self-pity. But He met each and every temptation with the power of the Word. As a result, as you and I struggle with temptation, He does not roll His eyes or shake His head in disappointment. He invites us to come to Him, not only for forgiveness, but for the strength we need to stand strong in the struggle.
Today, think about some of the other temptations that Jesus might have battled through.

Prayer Starter:
Jesus, I am weak. You are strong. I give in; You never did. You never gave up. Thank You. Lead me not into temptation, especially when . . .