Connect Hebrews 4:15 with Matthew 4:1-11 regarding Jesus' experience with temptation. Scripture Foundations “For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin.” “1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry. 3 The tempter came to Him and said, ‘If You are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.’ 4 But Jesus answered, ‘It is written: “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”’ 5 Then the devil took Him to the holy city and set Him on the pinnacle of the temple. 6 ‘If You are the Son of God,’ he said, ‘throw Yourself down. For it is written: “He will command His angels concerning You,” and “They will lift You up in their hands, so that You will not strike Your foot against a stone.”’ 7 Jesus replied, ‘It is also written: “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”’ 8 Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 ‘All this I will give You,’ he said, ‘if You will fall down and worship me.’ 10 ‘Away from Me, Satan!’ Jesus declared. ‘For it is written: “Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.”’ 11 Then the devil left Him, and angels came and ministered to Him.” What Hebrews 4:15 Declares • Jesus is our High Priest—He represents us before God. • He experienced genuine temptation “in every way that we are.” • Yet He remained completely sinless, qualifying Him to intercede for us. Three Wilderness Temptations—One Perfect Response 1. Physical need: “Tell these stones to become bread.” • Desire: meet hunger in a way outside the Father’s will. • Response: Deuteronomy 8:3—dependence on God’s word above bodily appetite. 2. Presumption: “Throw Yourself down… angels will catch You.” • Desire: force God’s hand, prove identity through spectacle. • Response: Deuteronomy 6:16—trust God without testing Him. 3. Shortcut to glory: “All kingdoms… if You worship me.” • Desire: gain authority without the cross. • Response: Deuteronomy 6:13—exclusive worship and service to God. How Matthew 4 Demonstrates Hebrews 4:15 • Real temptation: Jesus hungered, heard alluring offers, faced satanic pressure. • Comprehensive categories: – Lust of the flesh (bread) – Pride of life (temple leap) – Lust of the eyes (worldly splendor) — 1 John 2:16 echoes these same realms. • Sinless mastery: every time, He clings to Scripture and obeys the Father. • Result: He can “sympathize with our weaknesses” because He met the full force of temptation yet never yielded. Why His Victory Matters for Us • Credible sympathy—He knows the struggle from the inside. • Perfect mediation—He alone can bridge us to the Father (1 Timothy 2:5). • Practical help—“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16). • Pattern for battle—use of Scripture, Spirit-led dependence, unwavering worship. Practical Takeaways for Modern Temptations • Feed on God’s word daily; it fortifies before hunger strikes. • Refuse to manipulate God for self-exaltation; trust His timing. • Reject shortcuts that require compromise; eternal glory is worth present obedience. • Remember 1 Corinthians 10:13: “God is faithful… He will also provide an escape.” • Draw near to the sinless High Priest in every moment of weakness; His grace is immediate and sufficient. Additional Scripture Links • James 1:13-15—source and progression of temptation. • 1 Peter 2:22—Christ’s sinlessness. • Hebrews 2:18—“Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.” Living the Connection Jesus’ wilderness victory is not merely historical; it is the assurance that the One who intercedes for us fully understands, utterly conquered, and presently empowers us to stand firm. |
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