“And do not lead us into temptation…” (Matthew 6:13, NKJV)

In the previous meditation, we highlighted the concept of forgiveness of ‘debts’ – basically an acknowledgment of our own sinfulness and our need for divine mercy.

Relatedly, it also shows us that the manner and extent of God’s forgiveness towards us are directly tied to our willingness to forgive others.

It implies a reciprocal relationship. We are asking God to forgive us in the same way or to the same extent that we forgive those who have wronged us.

In the next verse, the ‘model prayer’ proceeds to our meditation verse today, which says; “And do not lead us into temptation.”

It was only recently that I learned that the four verses 12-15 are actually connected and related.  

Let’s take a look:

Verse 12: “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.”

Verse 13: “And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Verse 14: “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

Verse 15: “But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

According to Jesus, forgiveness is not merely a moral platitude but a core characteristic of those who truly belong to God’s kingdom.

Verse 12 asks God to lead us away from situations where we are vulnerable to sin.

The Bible teaches that God does not tempt His people but may allow us to be tested.

James 1:13 says; “Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.”

According to Ephesians 4:26-27, being angry with those who offend us is an avenue for temptation to sin as it pushes us to give the enemy an opportunity to take control.

“If you become angry, do not let your anger lead you into sin, and do not stay angry all day. Don’t give the Devil a chance.” (Good News Bible).

When the enemy takes advantage of your anger, resentment and hatred to control your heart and life, it’s like you’re making the devil to usurp God’s authority over your life.

That’s why verse 13 of the ‘model prayer’ quickly adds, “For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”

Our father in heaven is the only One with sovereignty over every bit of our lives, not the devil.

There’s no worse temptation than when the enemy asks you “to bow down and worship me!”

“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if you forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

These three verses serve as a direct expansion and emphatic commentary on the condition stated in verse 12.

They are not separate teachings but rather an immediate clarification of the principle embedded within the prayer itself.

Verse 14 provides the positive affirmation: If you demonstrate forgiveness towards others their ‘debts’, then God, your heavenly Father, will likewise extend forgiveness to you.

This highlights God’s justice and His expectation that His children reflect His character, as a condition for avoiding being led into temptation.

According to Jesus, forgiveness is not merely a moral platitude but a core characteristic of those who truly belong to God’s kingdom.

That directly implies that a refusal to forgive indicates a heart that has not fully grasped or appropriated the depths of God’s grace and sovereignty.