Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil… (Luke 4:1-2a)
The role of the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ life is very clear in Luke 4. Jesus was filled by the Spirit (4:1), led by the Spirit (4:2), empowered by the Spirit (4:14), and anointed by the Spirit to preach good news (4:18).
Being filled and led by the Spirit, however, did not deliver Jesus from temptation or trials. Indeed, the Spirit led Him right into the desert to be tempted by Satan. This was part of God’s plan. Jesus needed to be “tempted in every way, just as we are” in order to be an empathetic High Priest (Hebrews 4:15), to show His power over Satan (Hebrews 2:14), and to learn what it means to obey God through suffering (Hebrews 5:8).
I personally think that Jesus had this situation in mind when He instructed us to pray: “And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one” (Matthew 6:13). God does not tempt us (James 1:13) but He, at times, leads us into the ”place of temptation” where we encounter the evil one and his schemes. Why? So that we will learn to depend on His Spirit and grow stronger in our faith.
This is not a fun process. Indeed, I think that’s why we pray–”do not lead us into temptation.” This is not something to be desired or taken lightly. None of us should be so arrogant to say, “Bring it on, Satan. I can take it. Give me your best shot.” I am reminded of Peter’s words to Jesus in Matthew 26:33, “Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble!” Peter’s machismo in the face of the coming trial was the very thing that predicted his failure in the trial. “Assuredly I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times,” Jesus replied.
No, we do not go looking for spiritual battles but when they come, when the Spirit leads us into the place of tempation and trial, we pray, “Lord, deliver us from the evil one!” Give us your strength! We are not strong enough for the battle on our own. We only win the battle when we are weak enough to be smart enough to rely enough on God’s Spirit.
This is what Paul learned in 2 Corinthians 12:7-9:
To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
Lord, do not lead me into the place of temptation but when those temptations come, may I find my strength and peace in You and You alone.