5. Was it a struggle for Jesus to obey? Hebrews 5:7-9.
NOTE: Christ has given us no assurance that to attain perfection of character is an easy matter. It is a conflict, a battle, a march day after day. It is through much tribulation that we enter the kingdom of heaven. If we sit with Christ on His throne, we must first be partakers with Him in His suffering. Individually we must experience that which was spoken of Christ. It became Him, “in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through suffering.” “Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered.” Shall we then be timid and cowardly because of the trials we must meet as we advance? Shall we not meet them without repining or complaint? In this world we shall have tribulation; but the Lord Jesus will give us all the help that we ask, and believe that He will bestow.’ Review & Herald, June 20, 1907.
6. What was Christ’s first answer in temptation? Matthew 4:4.
NOTE: ‘In Satan’s first temptation upon the point of appetite, he had tried to insinuate doubts in regard to God’s love and care for Christ as His Son, by presenting His surroundings and His hunger as an evidence that He was not in favour with God. He was unsuccessful in this. He next tried to take advantage of the faith and perfect trust Christ had shown in His heavenly Father, to urge Him to presumption. “If Thou be the Son of God, cast Thyself down: for it is written, He shall give His angels charge concerning Thee: and in their hands they shall bear Thee up, lest at any time Thou dash Thy foot against a stone.” Jesus promptly answered, “It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” Every promise in God’s word is ours. “By every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” are we to live. When assailed by temptation, look not to circumstances or to the weakness of self, but to the power of the word. All its strength is yours. “Thy word,” says the psalmist, “have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.” “By the word of Thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.” Psalm 119:11; 17:4.’ Desire of Ages, page 123.