Lead Us Not Into Temptation
Scripture selection: Luke 22:39
Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.”
The time of betrayal was at hand. Jesus asked his disciples to remain watchful, supportive, and present. They fell asleep.
Soon all that he had predicted would come true. They would know just how far they could fall from their bold predictions of faithfulness.
Temptation would have the upper hand for a while.
It brings to mind how, when they asked him to teach them how to pray, he taught them to say, “Lead us not into temptation,” and “Deliver us from evil.”
In their human weakness, they failed to pray like that.
As I write these words, it is evening of Ash Wednesday. It is the beginning of the season of Lent – the solemn time of preparation for the arrival of the great celebration of Easter.
A season that will end with joy begins with solemn recollection of how the disciples – we – fail too often in our faith.
Thankfully, that is not the end of the story.
There is redemption and hope. There was another chance for them – and there is for us – if we will accept God’s gift of grace and loving forgiveness.
Lord, once again, teach us to pray. Lead us not into temptation. Deliver us from evil, whenever we need deliverance.
