Matthew 6:13
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Matthew 6:13 (KJV)
Context
Matthew 6:13 is the final petition of the Lord’s Prayer, which Jesus taught during the Sermon on the Mount. In this portion, Jesus instructs His disciples on how to pray, emphasizing sincerity, humility, and alignment with God’s will. The verse appears as a petition within the Lord’s Prayer, addressing the believer’s need for divine guidance and protection.
Meaning
“And lead us not into temptation” is a request for God’s guidance and protection, acknowledging human frailty and the potential to succumb to sin. This petition does not imply that God tempts anyone to sin; rather, it recognizes the need for God’s help in avoiding and overcoming temptations. It expresses a desire for God’s intervention and strength to resist the allure of sin.
“But deliver us from evil” asks God to rescue believers from the clutches of evil, whether understood as the evil one or evil in general. It expresses reliance on God’s power to protect against spiritual, moral, and physical harm. Through this petition, believers seek God’s deliverance from the influence and consequences of sin, both individually and collectively.
“For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever” affirms God’s sovereignty, omnipotence, and eternal glory. This doxology is a statement of praise, acknowledging that everything belongs to God. By ascribing the kingdom, power, and glory to God, believers express faith in His divine authority and attribute all honor and dominion to Him.
Application
Matthew 6:13 reminds believers of their dependence on God and the necessity of seeking His guidance and protection in the face of temptation and evil. It encourages a humble and sincere approach to prayer, recognizing God’s authority and giving Him praise.
Regularly seek God’s guidance and strength to overcome temptation.
Acknowledge God’s power to deliver us from evil.
Approach prayer with humility, recognizing God’s sovereignty and giving Him praise.
