Matthew 4:1

Matthew 4:1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.


The Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted.  Let that sink in for just a minute.    Jesus was directed by the Holy Spirit to go out into the wilderness for the purpose of being tempted by the devil.  This is a major paradigm shift from what most Christians believe.


The general view is that if one is obeying God and following His leading then God will protect you from temptation.  Obeying God is good and following His leading is always the best but neither provides foolproof protection against temptation.  In fact, as we see in this verse, God may very well be leading you into temptation. 


Jesus went where God led Him to go.  He was in God’s perfect will.  Not only did Jesus face temptation while in obedience to God but the Bible indicates that it was God’s purpose to lead Jesus into the wilderness in order to be tempted.


Some will argue that God does not tempt (James 1:13).  That argument is correct.  God does not tempt and cannot be tempted.  However, as we see in this verse, God does lead people into places and situations where they will be tempted.  After all, Jesus taught his disciples to pray “Lead me not into temptation” (Matthew 6:13).  That prayer would be meaningless if God does not lead people into temptation.


Why would God do this?  There multiple reasons that God will lead us into temptation.  One is to test us.  Often God gives someone a test and then blesses or rewards them after they pass the test (Abraham sacrificing Isaac or the Book of Job). 


Another reason may be to refine us.  God will allow trials and temptations in our life to bring to the surface some sin or area requiring work.  While this process is unpleasant, God loves us enough to not let us remain as we are.  He wants us to grow and He will provide opportunities for us to do so.


A third reason is simply for His own glory.  God initiated Job’s trials to bring glory to Himself.  He is glorified when His people remain faithful despite temptations.  There is no greater testimony to God’s sustaining power than a Christian who remains steadfast during trials and temptation.


Finally, God may be preparing someone for service.  He may be letting you experience a temptation so that you will be better prepared to assist others in overcoming the same temptation.  I have a good friend who has struggled with a certain temptation for many years.  He is mostly victorious but prayed repeatedly for this temptation to be lifted.  Finally, after decades he began to realize how many opportunities he had to counsel and encourage men dealing with the same temptation.  One of the reasons he is so effective is that he continues to deal with the same desires but lives victoriously.


Almighty God, I thank You that You do not let me be tempted beyond what I can bear.  I do ask that You not lead me into temptation but deliver me from evil. However, when temptation comes, despite the source, I pray to be more than a conqueror.