Overcoming Temptation

Christ’s cross serves as the ultimate symbol of temptation; his empty tomb nearby is a monument to conquered temptation.

Scripture says he was tempted in all the ways we are—and more, we might add—yet without failing (Hebrews 4:15). At the start of his ministry, he was tempted while hungry, thirsty, and weak. In the end of his ministry, he was tempted with excruciating pain. All the while meantime, he faced rejection, mockery, and betrayal.

Under such intense levels of typical human challenges, he did not break or abandon his purpose. Here we sign on to such determination in the face of physical, social, mental, and emotional duress, committing ourselves to sinless living as much as possible regardless of what that means.