Lord's Prayer: Lead Us Not Into TemptationНамуна

Temptation doesn’t just come from inside of us. It comes from those around us too. Classically, this is called temptation from the world. The world refers to people who do not have in mind the things of God, as well as the culture and society, values, and norms, that flow from them. Let’s look at Jesus.

Sometimes Jesus faced temptation stemming from his inner desires. You see this when the Devil tries to entice Jesus to turn stones into bread in the desert. You’ll see Jesus face it again in the garden of Gethsemane as he prays for God to take the cup of crucifixion from him, but with a resolved commitment to the Lord’s will over his own desires.

But so much of the temptation we see Jesus face comes from those around him. That is the world. The Devil tries to get Jesus to make a show of himself. Throw yourself off the temple so people can see God’s angels coming to rescue you. The world didn’t recognize him. Most didn’t care to. It’s a temptation to do something spectacular to win their approval. This kind of temptation comes passively.

Or think of the religious leaders constantly trying to trap Jesus. Here they are, pressuring him to conform to their ways over God’s ways. Some even do so sincerely! They use every weapon in the arsenal, from societal pressure, bribery, intimidation, and compromise. This kind of temptation comes actively.

Or think of his family, who don’t believe in him and ridicule him. Or his disciples who constantly misunderstand him. Or someone like Peter who even tries to derail him. This kind of temptation can be the hardest. It can catch us by surprise since it comes from the people who love us.

The world will tempt you, and it will come in all sorts of ways. It plays off what’s inside of us and tests us. It’s been said that willpower is a depleting resource, and the danger is temptation can wear us down. So what is Jesus telling us to pray? Father, lead me away from those who seek to tear me down and lead me away from you. Orchestrate my life in such a way to keep me out of it! But Father, give me the resolve to honor you when temptation comes.

Consider this today…

Where are people currently tempting you, whether innocently or maliciously, actively or passively? Where is it wearing you down? Ask God what changes you need to make to avoid temptation. Ask him to deliver you. And ask him to help you stay strong when you can’t avoid it.