At first glance, one may think there is a contradiction in Jesus
being led by the Holy Spirit to be tempted, and the truth that God
doesn't tempt anyone. But there is no contradiction, because the Holy
Spirit didn't tempt Jesus, He only brought Him to the place where He had
to be tempted by the devil, just as Adam and Eve were in the garden
where they were tempted by the devil. The redemption plan necessitates
that Christ be tempted by the devil.
It is true
that the Holy Spirit cannot, and will not tempt us, but He can and does
lead us into circumstances where temptation is permitted, that we may
thereby be proved to qualify us for greater use in His kingdom project.
In the case of Christ's temptation, as was noted earlier, it was
necessary that the Redeemer, being the second man, be tempted as the
first man, Adam, was. The temptation was part of what was necessary for
the Redeemer to suffer, and by it learn obedience. Hebrews 5:8.
When
the Bible says then He was led by the Spirit, it immediately reveals
that yieldedness of Jesus to do Holy Spirit.., but the impulse of this
leading was very strong and vehement, that Mark described it as, "the
Spirit driveth him, thrusts him forth into the wilderness", Mark 1:12.
Being
led by the Spirit is part of it means to be filled with the Holy
Spirit. If you are filled with the Holy Spirit, then expect to be led by
Him, and as Jesus submitted Himself to be led, so are we to submit
ourselves to the Holy Spirit to be led.
Toni
