Emotional Temptation

Come down from the cross (Matthew 27:40).

We don’t often think of Calvary in terms of the emotional temptation of Jesus. But if we listen closely to those insulting dagger words thrown at Jesus by the chief priests, teachers of the law and elders, we will recognize the voice of the deceiver. Just as he challenged Jesus’ lordship in the wilderness during the famous temptation recounted in Matthew 4, he can be heard in the Savior’s weakest, most exposed moment on the cross, tirelessly seeking to break Jesus’ will. 

W. Glyn Evans, in Daily with the King, describes it like this: 

“The emotional strain of the cross was staggering. The chief ingredient was abandonment. The abandonment of Jesus was complete—people, disciples, and even (though only for a brief time) His Father. At the point when His emotions were at their strained peak, Satan whispered to Him…” 

September 6, Daily with the King (Moody Publishers, 1989)

Abandonment is the signature of shame.

In honor-shame cultures around the world, abandonment is shame’s punishment. One who has brought shame to the family is commonly abandoned or cast out of the group. In too many cases, the shamed one is not only abandoned but killed.

Jesus bore our shame on the cross. #InsteadofShameHonor #coveredglory Click To Tweet

I believe it was in those moments of greatest emotional strain, as the Messiah hung abandoned on two wooden beams, His physical and relational nakedness exposed for all to mock, that He waged war on shame. Shame would no longer hold humanity in its death grip. Instead, the Messiah would die bearing it, and in three days rise from death in victory over it. With His victory would come victory over sin and shame for every woman and every man.

The enemy still stalks followers of Jesus today. In our moments of most intense emotional strain, he whispers his lies, seeking to snap our minds and wills. #temptation #persevere Click To Tweet

“Come down from the cross,” he tempts, his words alluring us to abandon our purpose and calling. In the guise of relief and deliverance, he proposes we give up and everything will be better.

We must remind ourselves that with our crosses comes the power to bear them. Through our obedience comes resurrection power. We follow in the footsteps of Jesus, even when they take us on paths of abandonment and loneliness, pain and suffering. The morning is coming, and no darkness, no heavy stone, can keep the life and the light of Jesus from breaking out in victory.

Shame has been abolished. If you are in its grip today, know that the Messiah understands your pain. He knows complete desertion. He knows exposure. Jesus understands the emotional temptation to come down from the cross and choose an easier way. 

Cling to Him today, and watch for the morning. For as sure as the sun rises, His victory will come in your life.

Lord, hold me together when my emotional strain is greater than my strength. Keep me from the enemy and bring victory in my life. Amen.

@audreycfrank