You may be familiar with the doctrine of concupiscence that has become the subject of recent controversy. Some contemporary theologians are arguing that the classical reformed position is that our very desires and temptation itself are “sin” not just our acting on our desire, giving in to temptation. A counter point to that has been that Jesus was tempted but without sin. In response, those promoting the idea that desire and temptation are sin make a distinction. They say that Jesus’ temptation only came from without, it was completely external.
However, Scripture does not say that. It is an I nference drawn in order to tidy up a doctrine. When we look at the accounts that point to Jesus experiencing temptation, we see that the devil seeks to play the same trick with Jesus that he does with us. He finds Jesus when he is tired and hungry and offers a way out, a way of meeting Jesus’ desire for food. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus expresses a desire for the cup of suffering to be taken from him. The desire comes from within, it’s a very natural desire. However, he then states “Not my will but yours.”
And I think Romans 8:3 might help us to tighten up our thinking here. Our understanding of desire and temptation needs to take account that Jesus truly shared our nature. He came “in the likeness of sinful flesh” but without sin. In his human nature he knew what it meant to liv ein a condemned body, subject to the penalty of Adam’s sin, frail and vulnerable. Jesus though said no to temptation.
