BibleProject | the Lord's PrayerSample

Don’t Lead Us to Be Tested

Over the next two days, we’ll reflect on the final request in the Lord’s Prayer, found in verse 13. Today, we’ll focus on the first line, “don’t lead us to be tested.”

Many modern translations render this line as “do not lead us into temptation.” But the Greek word being translated as “temptation” is peirasmos. This Greek word can be used for temptation, but biblical authors also use it to describe testing in a way that reveals the truth. In the Bible, God’s tests have a positive purpose. They are meant to reveal someone’s character and invite them into a relationship of trust.

To learn more about the theme of testing in the Bible, watch the video below.

So if tests can have positive effects in our lives, why would Jesus instruct us to ask God to spare us from them? It seems most likely that he is being really honest about our lived experience. Tests can be difficult, and sometimes a deceitful voice can tempt us to choose poorly, take the easy way out, and ignore God’s instruction. Jesus does not seem to be asking that we might be spared from God’s good work. Instead, it appears that he’s teaching people to pray to be spared from having to face the tempter. Jesus wants to see people delivered from this evil one, which is a big topic that we will save for tomorrow.

For now, let’s slowly read and meditate on the whole prayer, making it our own.

Matthew 6:9-15
9 Therefore, when you pray, do it this way:
Our Father who is in the skies, may your name be recognized as holy.
10 May your kingdom come, and may your will be done, as it is in the skies so also on the land.
11 Our daily provision of bread, give to us today.
12 And forgive us our debts, just as we also have forgiven those indebted to us.
13 And don’t lead us to be tested, but deliver us from the evil one.
14 For if you forgive people their transgressions, your Father in the skies will also forgive you.
15 But if you will not forgive people, then neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.

Reflection Question
What seriously difficult trials or tests have you experienced in your life? What have you learned about yourself as a result?