Is it safe to assume that while Jesus was in the desert, Jesus was tempted by every sin possible such as lust even if it doesn't mention it? We take it by faith that He could have overcome any temptation, but was He "actually" tempted by all of them.

-- DJ (newfiedufie@msn.com), January 09, 2005

Answers

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-- DJ (newfiedufie@msn.com), January 09, 2005.

He was only tempted in the sense that something from outside was attempting to lure Him. However, because His very constitution is divine and perfect, there was absolutely no thought of entertaining those temptations. As such, it was impossible for Him to be tempted inwardly. Remember, He was only in the likeness of the flesh of sin, yet without the poison of sin itself, typified by the bronze serpent that Moses lifted up in the wilderness, giving life to those who look upon it.

-- Oliver Fischer (spicenut@excite.com), January 09, 2005.

When Jesus was tempted three times, as depicted in Scripture, he was tempted in three very specific ways. He was tempted by power (worship me and the world is yours), by materialism/self servedness (turn the stones into bread), and by pride (jump and the angles will catch you). Now, the Church teaches that Jesus was human in every way except sin, but being tempted isn't a sin, and something very human. It is safe to say that He could have been tempted by lust, but I think we can learn a lesson from the fact that it isn't depicted in Scripture. That tells us something. Maybe God wanted to emphasize the worst of temptations. Not the flesh, but power, greed, selishness.

-- brian (Brian@brian.com), January 09, 2005.

Though the reference is not specifically to the temptation in the desert, please note that Hebrews 4:15 tells us that Jesus is able to sympathize with our weaknesses, for He was tempted in *every* way as we are, yet without sin. I take it for granted that this would include lust. However, temptation is not the same as sin: a sin of thought means that one nurses and entertains the temptation in one's mind and says "yes" to it. Our Lord Jesus, not only as true God but also as true man filled beyond measure with the Holy Spirit, said "no" to all temptation.

Hence He also reigns, as crucified, risen and ascended Lord, as the Source of every Spiritual gift, including the gift of chastity.

-- Michael (edwardsronning@prodigy.net), January 10, 2005.