Temptation Is Not A Sin

“For we have not a 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.”  Hebrews 4:15

It is not a sin to be tempted to do something which would be considered a sin.  It’s giving in to that temptation that causes us a problem.  Jesus was tempted “in all points” like us.  There is some stupid idea that is spread by some folks whose apparent motive is to degrade the divinity of Christ.  They claim that Jesus was married to Mary Magdaline.  Jesus did not have an earthly wife;  He does have a bride, though, the body of believers known as the church.  Believers are called the bride of Christ because the relationship between Christ and His followers is much like that of an earthly husband and wife who promise to love and stay with each other until death separates them.  True commitment to Christ is a forever and ever relationship with Him.

I suppose there have been many folks who have wondered whether Jesus was tempted sexually.  We have no record of that in scripture, but we do know that if He was tempted, He did not succumb to lust.  There have been many preachers of the gospel who have succumbed to the enticement of women in the church.  I’ve been in line to shake hands with the pastor and witnessed a woman who was definitely flirting with him, but he didn’t encourage her in any way.  A faithful pastor will always be on the alert for those who could help destroy their ministry in a short time.  An adulterous fling is certainly not worth losing one’s family, one’s reputation, or one’s position.

Some might say that if Jesus was tempted sexually, it would have been very easy for Him to remain pure in mind and body because He is God.  However, believers have the power of Christ residing in their spirit giving them the ability to resist temptation.  Jesus was tempted many times throughout His ministry by Satan and by Satan working through the Pharisees and others, even through some of His own disciples.  Jesus could have come down from the cross if He so desired, but He knew the mission to provide salvation made it necessary for Him to suffer and die.

A few years ago the initials WWJD became very popular.  These letters were found on bracelets and other items for sale.  It is too bad the fad went away.  It was a good reminder to ask in time of temptation, “What would Jesus do”?