What has traditionally been labeled “the Lord’s Prayer” was taught by Jesus as a sample of how to pray (Matthew 6:5-15; Luke 11:2-4). It includes the petition, in English translation, “lead us not into temptation,” which some have interpreted to mean that God otherwise tempts humans to do what he condemns. This has prompted a call to adapt the wording to a more tolerable, “do not let us fall into temptation.” But mistranslation based on misinterpretation is not a satisfactory solution.
Elsewhere in the NT the sense of the verbal εἰσφέρω is to “bring” or “carry.” The petition, therefore, is more naturally, “bring us not into temptation,” implying the Father’s accompaniment and involvement. But in what sense would he ever bring or carry his people into temptation that would occasion a prayer like this? In the immediate context of Matthew’s account, the appeal is preceded by a recognition that the Father already knows our needs, and the petitioner expresses the selfless desire for the divine will to be done and requests forgiveness (Matthew 5:8-12).
Jesus’s own experience provides the best commentary. In preparation for his public ministry he was led (driven) into the wilderness to face an onslaught of nearly six weeks of the devil’s temptations that did not cease during the Lord’s time on earth. Near the end of his ministry, as he prayed, “take this cup from me,” he was essentially asking the Father to not carry him into an approaching ordeal that would put his resolve to the severest of tests, albeit with the caveat, “your will be done.” Knowing firsthand what it is like to face the all-out attacks of the tempter, Jesus also instructed his immediate followers to pray likewise, seeing that “the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” Jesus was a man of endless trials and unrelenting prayer, providing a model for how and for what to pray.
In view of God’s abiding presence and providential care, “bring us not into temptation” is a needed and comforting plea. While he does not tempt anyone to sin, he does allow it. He even escorts us into precarious situations that challenge and test our faith. The purpose, it seems, is to elicit greater dependence on him and ultimately strengthen our faith and prepare for eternity.
As we acknowledge our own human frailties and weaknesses, we have God’s permission to ask in prayer, “bring us not into temptation.” However, if we are unwilling to avail ourselves of all that he provides to help us along the way, we are missing a key component of the petition, “your will be done on earth as also in heaven.” Satan tempts. God provides. We decide which path to follow.