The Shepherd Who Leads Us in Proper Paths
Daily Scripture
Matthew 6:13
The GPS this week follows the chapter headings in Pastor Hamilton’s book The Lord’s Prayer: The Meaning and Power of the Prayer Jesus Taught. Abingdon Press. Kindle Edition. We highly recommend this book, which explores the words and ideas of the Lord’s Prayer in much greater detail than we can in the GPS. Because the New International Version’s wording is the closest to the way we repeat the prayer in worship each week, each day’s text will use that language as well as that of the Common English Bible we regularly use for the GPS.
13 And lead us not into temptation [The Greek for temptation can also mean testing], but deliver us from the evil one [or from evil].
13 And don’t lead us into temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.
Daily Reflection & Prayer
The phrase “Lead us not into temptation” may seem as if we’re asking God not to take us into situations that lure us to do wrong. But God wouldn’t do that anyway (James 1:13). At Resurrection, we shift the emphasis from God as potential tempter to God as active guide who leads us AWAY FROM temptation, by saying: “Lead us, [pause] not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” * We ask God to lead us—but specifically, to lead us away from evil.
- John 10:4 painted a beautiful image of a shepherd calling each sheep by name: “He goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.” God leads us like a good shepherd, as Psalm 23:3 showed: “He guides me in proper paths for the sake of his good name.” What makes it important for you to trust that God only guides you in proper paths—never toward temptation or harm? It can be hard to discern God’s voice from other voices. What can help you?
- When you let God lead you, God will deliver you from “the evil one” (or “evil”). Pastor Hamilton wrote, “I’m confident that I’m quite capable of leading myself into temptation…. But I find it helpful to think of the devil as the embodiment of temptation, evil, and the lure of darkness.” He added an important reminder: “It is important to recognize that in the Scriptures, he is no match for God.” ** Can you trust that God doesn’t lead you into temptation, but away from it? Where is God leading you today?
Prayer
Lord God, you are the shepherd, and I am your sheep. You lead me away from evil and onto higher ground. Thank you for calling me by name. When I’m tempted or tested, lead me safely through. Deliver me from evil and strengthen my trust in you. Amen.
GPS Insights
Amy Oden
Dr. Amy Oden, who serves as Adjunct Professor of Early Church History and Spirituality at the Oklahoma campus of Saint Paul School of Theology, wrote today's Insights for us in 2022. Teaching is her calling, and she looks forward to every day with students. Her book (Right Here, Right Now: The Practice of Christian Mindfulness, Abingdon Press, 2017) traces ancient mindfulness practice for Christians today.
I don’t think of myself as being tempted very often, but that’s only because my temptations are so stealthy. My greatest temptation isn’t brownies or an extra glass of wine. I’m tempted by the approval of others. This gets me in trouble when I rush toward others’ approval before pausing to discern whether what they want from me is a good idea or not.
Early Christians had a fairly sophisticated notion of human desire and behavior. On the one hand, they believed we are free to make choices in our lives – where we go, what we do, who we associate with. On the other hand, we are not entirely free because we live unawares out of our compulsions, anxieties, inner drives, temptations, often our most wounded places.
Temptation might be just another word for woundedness. The things that tempt us often reveal our anxieties, drives, hurt places. We are tempted by things that we think will finally give us what we most deeply want, will satisfy us and ultimately heal these hurt places, but they never do. I’m tempted by the recognition and appreciation of others that I think will make me feel real, worthy, valued. This is the way that leads to death, not to life.
Temptation is not a sign of moral failure. It’s simply human. It’s a sign of something needing attention inside me. Temptation invites me to ask, “What is it I most deeply long for?” and follow that thread down into myself. Some likely culprits are that I want to feel connected or experience fullness or be seen and appreciated.
Into this reality, James 1:13 speaks a word: God is not the source of our temptations. God is not the source of our wounds. God is the Source of our healing. James reminds me to turn to the Holy One who created me and holds my life. Only there will I find the true ground of connection and value.
Next time you feel tempted, let it be an invitation to ask, “What is it I most truly long for?” and follow that thread down into yourself. See what you discover. Allow God to hold it with you.
© 2026 Resurrection: A United Methodist Church. All Rights Reserved.
Scripture quotations are taken from The Common English Bible ©2011. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
References
* Hamilton, Adam, The Lord’s Prayer: The Meaning and Power of the Prayer Jesus Taught (p. 105). Abingdon Press. Kindle Edition.
** Ibid., pp. 109-110.
