CHAPTER IV.
The fourth circumstance, the end wherefore Christ was led to the wilderness.—Holiness, employment, privileges, exempt not from temptation.—Of temptations that leave not impressions of sin behind them.—How Satan’s temptations are distinguished from the lusts of our own heart.
4. The fourth circumstance was the end. There was no other design in the main of Christ’s being led up and into the wilderness, but that he might be ‘tempted.’ In this two things seem to be matter of equal wonder:—
(1.) First, Why Christ would submit to be tempted. For this many great and weighty reasons may be given. As,
[1.] First, Thus was Christ evidenced to be the second Adam, and the seed of the woman. His being tempted, and in such a manner, doth clearly satisfy us that he was true man; and that in that nature he it was that was promised ‘to break the serpent’s head.’
[2.] Secondly, This was a fair preludium and earnest of that final conquest over Satan, and the breaking down of his power.
[3.] Thirdly, There was a more peculiar aim in God by these means of temptation to qualify him with pity and power to help, ‘For in that he suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted,’ Heb. ii. 18. And having experience of temptation himself, he became a merciful high-priest, apt to be ‘touched with the feeling of our infirmities,’ Heb. iv. 15.
[4.] Fourthly, The consequence of this experimental compassion in Christ, was a further reason why he submitted to be tempted, to wit, that we might have the greater comfort and encouragement in the expectancy of tender dealing from him. Hence the apostle, Heb. iv. 16, invites to ‘come boldly to the throne of grace at any time of need.’
[5.] Fifthly, A further end God seemed to have in this, viz., to give a signal and remarkable instance to us of the nature of temptations; of Satan’s subtlety, his impudency, of the usual temptations which we may expect; as also to teach us what weapons are necessary for resistance, and in what manner we must manage them.