The Wilderness Temptation

[Thompson, Darryl]

A Life Without Sin 

     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. 4:15.  

     Let us consider how much it cost our Saviour in the wilderness of
temptation to carry on in our behalf the conflict with the wily,
malignant foe. Satan knew that everything depended upon his success or
failure in his attempt to overcome Christ with his manifold temptations.
Satan knew that the plan of salvation would be carried out to its
fulfillment, that his power would be taken away, that his destruction
would be certain, if Christ bore the test that Adam failed to endure.
The temptations of Satan were most effective in degrading human nature,
for man could not stand against their powerful influence; but Christ in
man's behalf, as man's representative, resting wholly upon the power of
God, endured the severe conflict, in order that He might be a perfect
example to us. There is hope for man. . . . The work before us is to
overcome as Christ overcame. He fasted forty days, and suffered the
keenest pangs of hunger. Christ suffered on our account beyond our
comprehension, and we should welcome trial and suffering on our own
account for Christ's sake, that we may overcome as Christ also overcame,
and be exalted to the throne of our Redeemer. . . .  

     We have everything to gain in the conflict with our mighty foe, and
we dare not for a moment yield to his temptations. We know that in our
own strength it is not possible for us to succeed; but as Christ humbled
Himself, and took upon Himself our nature, He is acquainted with our
necessities, and has Himself borne the heaviest temptations that man
will have to bear, has conquered the enemy in resisting his suggestions,
in order that man may learn how to be conqueror. He was clothed with a
body like ours, and in every respect suffered what man will suffer, and
very much more. We shall never be called upon to suffer as Christ
suffered, for the sins not of one, but the sins of the whole world were
laid upon Christ. He endured humiliation, reproach, suffering, and
death, that we by following His example might inherit all things.  


>From That I May Know Him - Page 33