And Lead Us Not Into Temptation

When we think of ‘temptation’, we often think of an advert for ice cream, or expensive shoes. ‘Temptation’ has morphed into a word for all things ‘naughty but nice’: less about the avoidance of sin and more about a little treat because I’m worth it.

When Jesus taught us to pray the words, ‘and lead us not into temptation’, this was not exactly what He had in mind.

Hebrews 4:15 says: ‘For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathise with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet he did not sin.’ (NIV)

I find it extremely comforting to be reminded that Jesus was tempted. He is human as well as divine, and that means that He understands our human struggles. He knows what it is to feel that pull towards things that aren’t good or healthy for us. And yet: Jesus never sinned, and He shows us what a sinless human life can look like.

This petition in the Lord’s Prayer earths this in reality. We pray that God will lead us away from temptation; that when it comes our way, as it surely will, we will have the strength to turn away and turn to Him.

This helps us in our faith journey, as an encouragement to resist temptation, and as a reassurance that God will forgive us when we inevitably make mistakes. But it also helps us as we pray for and share our faith with our friends. Just as we know temptation in our lives, so do they. And just as we long for a guide who has walked the path ahead of us and can help us find our way, so do they.

Pray for Five:

Pray for your five people. That they will discover that Jesus walks alongside them and will help them when they are tempted.

By The Reverend Canon Kate Wharton, Vicar of St. Bart's Church Roby, Liverpool, Church of England.