November 26

Hebrews 4:16
“We have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” — Heb. 4:1616Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16).
THE temptation of Jesus was not to see whether He would fail. It was rather to prove that He would not. The temptation by Satan but made evident the holiness and strength of the Second Man in contrast to the weakness and failure of the first.
In considering the temptation, it is important to remember that Jesus did not cease to be God when He became Man. He is God and Man in one glorious person. This the temptation was designed to make evident. He could ever say, “The prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in Me” (John 14:3030Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. (John 14:30)). There was no traitor within as there is in us. He was ever the sinless One, as Satan himself proved when he retired, defeated from the conflict.
An old Welsh collier, who taught a Bible class, gave his young men full liberty to discuss all Biblical problems, but often cautioned them with the advice, “Whatever else ye do, lads, keep the character of God clear.” So in considering the holy and mysterious theme of our Lord’s temptation we may well bear his words in mind, and refer them to the blessed Saviour. Be sure to keep the character of Jesus clear. If He were not the sinless, unblemished Lamb of God, He would have needed a Deliverer Himself and could not have saved us (2 Cor. 5:2121For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2 Corinthians 5:21)).
“Christ at God’s right hand unwearied
By our tale of shame and sin,
Day by day, and hour by hour.
Welcoming each wanderer in;
On His heart amidst the glory,
Bearing all our grief and care;
Every burden, are we feel it,
Weighed and measured in His prayer.”