Was Christ himself ever truly tempted or did the devil scheme to tempt him?

No, Satan tempted Jesus with very real desires Jesus had. So Jesus did in fact have a desire to do those things-even if he ultimately was victorious over them.

Why did Satan tempt Jesus with bread? Because Jesus had a very real heavy desire for bread.

Why did Satan tempt Jesus with falling from the temple and be saved by his angels? Because Jesus did have a rightful desire to display his heavenly glory for all to see.

Why did Satan tempt Jesus with the world? Because Jesus had a rightful desire to rule the world.

But none of those desires are sinful. That's what people are getting confused about here. Take for example adultery; Did Jesus experience outward temptation from seeing young, attractive women? Possibly. Did Jesus have an innate, inward desire to commit adultery in his heart? God forbid.

/r/Reformed Thread Parent