By Annaika Dastine | Founder, Who Is This Jesus? Ministry

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are, yet he did not sin."

We often confuse temptation with sin. The battle comes when temptation invites us into disobedience, and if we allow its influence to dictate our decision, it leads to sin.

If Satan came after Jesus, the Son of God, how much more will he come after humanity? The real question becomes: How did Jesus resist the enemy?

Jesus demonstrated throughout his ministry that he resisted Satan through obedience, surrender, prayer, and the Word of God, which was his recipe for victory against Satan’s schemes

Have you ever wondered why Jesus made this statement the greatest commandment? Jesus said unto him, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind" (Matthew 22:37).

Jesus is calling every disciple to understand the level of commitment it takes to fully surrender to God’s will. The love He speaks of in this passage is not merely a feeling or an emotional kind of love. It is love that remains steadfast, against all odds. It is Agape love, a selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional love that is rooted in obedience, faithfulness, and complete devotion to God.

Agape love is the kind of love that continues to trust God in suffering, remains faithful in trials, and chooses obedience even when emotions are shaken. It is not based on circumstances or personal gain, but on a heart that is fully surrendered to God.

My friends, before Jesus ever preached publicly, healed the sick, or cast out demons, He first lived a life surrendered to the Father.

Luke 2:46 tells us that Jesus sat among the teachers, listening and asking questions. And in Luke 2:49, when his parents found him, he says: "Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?" Even as a child, Jesus prioritized the presence of God.

My friend, Jesus, was being prepared long before the battlefield became visible. My friends, are you leaving a life of defeat because you are being tempted?  It’s never too late for you to decide you will not allow your temptation to write your life story.  

Spend time in God’s Word to learn how to flee from the arrows that Satan throws at you. Decide today to erase the word I can’t change in your vocabulary, but replace it with the decision to surrender your will to God through obedience, prayer, and submission.

Weekly Scripture Hebrews 4:15