Briton Riviere (1840-1920)
The Hebrews writer reflects on Jesus' humanity: "Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted." (Hebrews 2.17-18)
Yesterday at Southside we reflected on our humanness as fallen beings and our vulnerability to the areas of temptation first identified in the Garden of Eden and the mysterious "tree." Eve saw that the tree was "good for food"; that it was a "delight to the eyes"; and that the tree was "desirable to make one wise." The same three attractions -lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life are describe by the apostle John (1 John 2.16.) Richard Foster may have been the first to use the common language of "sex, money and power." Jesus resisted Satan in the wilderness in these three arenas. He was tested as to the appetite of the flesh, as to the possessions of the world and as to the raw power of mastering the whole world. This is the high priest who comes to our aid when we have the onslaught of temptation. In which area am I most at risk? In this Lent season how do I call on the aid of the One who was tested every way that I am, yet "without sin"?
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