October 3, Evening
C. H. Spurgeon · Modern retelling
"He Himself hath suffered being tempted." — Hebrews 2:18 · KJV
It is a commonplace thought, yet it tastes like nectar to the weary heart: Jesus was tempted as I am. You have heard that truth many times — but have you grasped it? He was tempted to the very same sins into which we fall. Do not separate Jesus from our common manhood. It is a dark room you are passing through, but Jesus went through it before you. It is a sharp fight you are waging, but Jesus stood foot to foot with the same enemy. Let us be of good cheer; Christ has borne the load before us, and the bloodstained footprints of the King of glory may be seen along the road we travel this very hour. There is something sweeter still: Jesus was tempted, but Jesus never sinned. Then, my soul, it is not needful for you to sin; for Jesus was a man, and if one man endured these temptations and did not sin, then in His power His members may also cease from sin. Some beginners in the divine life think they cannot be tempted without sinning, but they are mistaken; there is no sin in being tempted, but there is sin in yielding to temptation. Here is comfort for the sorely tempted. And there is more to encourage them, if they reflect that the Lord Jesus, though tempted, gloriously triumphed; and as He overcame, so surely shall His followers, for Jesus is the representative man for His people — the Head has triumphed, and the members share the victory. Fears are needless, for Christ is with us, armed for our defense. Our place of safety is the bosom of the Savior. Perhaps we are tempted just now in order to drive us nearer to Him. Blessed be any wind that blows us into the harbor of our Savior's love! Happy the wounds that make us seek the beloved Physician. You tempted ones, come to your tempted Savior, for He can be touched with a feeling of your infirmities, and will help every tried and tempted one.