Can we turn to Jesus when we’re tempted? Let’s see what the Bible says about this question In Hebrews 4: 14-16. But first, click here if life has knocked you down.
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession (Hebrews 4:14).”
Jesus Our High Priest
Many Christians are unaware of the current ministry of Jesus Christ. Yet He is active in ministry; He is not just sitting at the right hand of the Father, waiting for orders. This article addresses one of His ministries.
“For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). “
Approach When Tempted
How often do we go to Jesus when we face temptation? Usually, at that time, we feel sinful. So, the last place we want to go is into the presence of our holy Savior. But this is the crucial time for us to go there, to His throne of grace, to get help.
“Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16).”
Jesus was Tempted Apart from Sin
Remember, temptation itself is not sinning. Jesus was tempted without sin, so He knows from experience how to help us. Can we turn to Jesus when we’re tempted? Let’s see what the Bible says about this question In Hebrews 4: 14-16.
“And He (Jesus) went a little beyond them (His disciples, Peter, James, and John), and fell to the ground and began to pray that if it were possible, the hour (of His temptation in Gethsemane) might pass Him by. And He was saying, “Abba! Father! All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will (Mark 14:35-36).”
The recurring temptation Jesus faced during His earthly ministry was to receive His Kingdom without going to the cross.
Satan Tempted Him
“And the devil said to Him, “I will give You all this domain (all the kingdoms of the world v. 5) and its glory; for it has been handed over to me, and I give it to whomever I wish (Luke 4:6).”
Peter Tempted Him
After Jesus revealed, for the first time, His mission was to die on the cross without bringing in the glorious Kingdom Peter expected:
“But turning around and seeing His disciples, He rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind Me, Satan; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s (Mark 8:33).”
The Horror of the Cross Tempted Jesus
So He prayed to ask the Father to remove Him from “this hour” (Mark 14:35-36 quoted previously).”
In His time of need, Jesus went to the Father; we also go to the Father, but we go through Jesus, our High Priest. He understands. We need Him to avoid sinning, so we should take advantage of His current ministry. It is important to appear before Him even when feeling unclean because of the temptation. He wants us to recognize our need so He can help.
Please watch the Great News Video on this page to find out how Jesus will save you from your sin if you only ask.
