Not Tempted In All Things

Shawn McCraney suggests that while Jesus was certainly tempted by core appeals such as the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, as depicted in biblical accounts like Matthew 4, the idea that he was tempted "in all things" should be contextualized to mean temptations relevant to his time rather than the specific temptations faced in modern society. He emphasizes that understanding Jesus' temptations requires acknowledging their potency and the difference between what was relevant for Jesus as compared to contemporary temptations like those involving modern technology and societal norms.

Jesus, as presented in Hebrews 4:14-15, was tempted in all ways relative to the Law given to the Jews, overcoming these temptations to fulfill the Law and the Prophets without experiencing every temptation that exists throughout history. This indicates that Jesus, through his actions in a specific historical context, demonstrated ultimate mercy and compassion, offering redemption for humanity while understanding universal human temptations, despite not living through the specific challenges of the modern era.

Jesus, in understanding the human experience, empathizes with modern challenges and temptations, recognizing their increased prevalence today, which He did not personally face but fully comprehends. He offers compassion rather than condemnation, emphasizing that overcoming these temptations, both then and now, is possible through His Spirit and the surrender of the flesh.