This Sunday we're continuing our foray into Matthew's gospel with a look at chapter 4 -- the temptation narrative. Each of us knows temptation. We cling to the Hebrews passage: For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin. (Hebrews 4:15)Those words, written for our comfort, have often been twisted to beat us down. Jesus was tempted and he didn't cave in. You have no excuse for your failure. You're pathetic!
And yet we have the words of Paul: Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus... (Romans 8:1)
When we read the New Testament, we cannot lift one verse out and isolate it from the rest. We must interpret individual verses, keeping them in context with the rest of the book.
Our high priest sympathizes with our weaknesses; he doesn't condemn us. He is our advocate, not our accuser. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
Because Christ has been tempted: Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)
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