Scripture: Hebrews 2:18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Devotion: This entire series that we are in, Been There, is based around the idea that the challenges and hardships we face in this life, Jesus experienced too. He is sympathetic. Hebrews 4:14-16 says, “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
Jesus was tempted in every way, just as we are. And we can find encouragement in our Bible verse for today. Because Jesus was tempted, He is able to help us when we are tempted. We don’t have to go it alone. We can call on Him. And God isn’t disconnected from us or simply just observing our day to day; He cares deeply for each of us. And Jesus Himself has been tempted. So, when it comes to our temptation, the Lord cares about it. He provides us with a way out and understands the emotions and feelings we experience.
Isn’t it incredible that God could have chosen to save us however He wanted, and yet He chose to send His Son? And that Son experienced the very trials and temptations that we do. He can help us through.
Reflect:
- Think about how God chose to send His Son to save us, as opposed to saving us through some other means. Because of this, He is sympathetic and empathetic. How does this help shape your perspective of God?
