I have been wondering how Jesus was tempted in all areas as we are tempted today. Hebrews 4 : 15. There is no record of Him being tempted with lust for woman, to murder, to take a bribe or cheat in a business deal. Please can you help me understand how He was tempted in His time with the world being so different back then?
Hebrews 4:15 does say Jesus was tempted in every way, just as we are but was without sin. The only record of his temptations concerns His time in the wilderness where Satan tempted Him (Matt. 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, Luke 4:1-13).
As for other temptations Jesus experienced, we will have to take the word of the writer to the Hebrews who was, after all, receiving input from the Holy Spirit as he wrote. He said Jesus was tempted in every way, just as we are. From that I think it’s safe to say that Jesus was subjected to temptations of all kinds through out His ministry.
Certainly today’s times are different but by definition temptation pertains to violating the commandments. It was true in the Lord’s time and it’s true in ours.
The point of the passage is found in Hebrews 4:16 where we learn that because Jesus faced these temptations, He is able to sympathize with our weaknesses. Therefore we can approach the throne of grace with confidence, knowing that we will receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Paul said, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Cor. 10:13)
No believer is ever alone in the hour of their temptation.