There are two questions every Christian needs to think through: If Jesus is fully man, does he have a sin nature? And if he’s fully God, could he even be tempted by sin?
The writer of Hebrews answered those questions. “We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15) Jesus sympathizes with us because he’s one of us! He experienced every trial and temptation we do, yet remained sinless.
The writer adds, “He had to be like his brothers and sisters in every way, so that he could become a merciful and faithful high priest in matters pertaining to God, to make atonement for the sins of the people. For since he himself has suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.” (Hebrews 2:17-18). Jesus became like us in every way, yet without sin, which means he became what we were supposed to be.
That’s why Jesus can help you through temptation: he knows exactly what temptation feels like, and he conquered it.
The Temptation of Entitlement
Maybe you’re tempted to always look out for yourself. You deserve certain things in life, so you always make sure you get them, one way or another.
Jesus was tempted the same way. When he was fasting in the wilderness, Satan came to him and said, “If you’re the Son of God, turn these rocks into bread.” In other words, “You’re the Son of God! You don’t deserve to be out here in the wilderness starving, all by yourself. You deserve to be eating like a King! So the least you could do is turn a few rocks into bread.”
The Temptation of Convenience
Maybe you’re tempted to look for shortcuts. You don’t want to work for money, you just want the money. You don’t want to put all the time and energy into building a relationship, you just want the relationship.
Jesus was tempted the same way. He knew he would be crowned the king, but he knew he would have to die on a cross to get there. So Satan came to him in the wilderness and said, “You can get the power and glory right now. Just bow down before me. Take the shortcut!”
The Temptation of Self-Pity
Maybe you’re tempted to doubt God and his love for you. It doesn’t seem like he’s blessed and protected you the same way he’s blessed other people. You’re tempted to fall into self-pity.
Jesus was tempted the same way. Satan brought him up to the top of the temple and told him to throw himself off and let the angels catch him. He pointed to all the happy people in the temple below and (in essence) said, “If God’s going to protect all those dirty sinners, don’t you deserve to have even better protection? Shouldn’t he love you more? Why don’t you see if he’ll send his angels for you? That would be a good way for him to prove his love.”
In every one of those temptations, Jesus was empowered by the Spirit to love and obey God, and resist temptation. So no matter what temptation you face, Jesus knows exactly what you’re feeling. He identifies with you. And he’ll empower you through his Spirit to resist temptation.