Jesus Understands

Are we left alone when temptation comes our way today, or does Jesus understand and help us?

Hebrews 4:15 says, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses but we have one who has been tempted in every way just as we are - yet was without sin."

Much like you would take a picture from different angles to get a more complete shot, the writer in Hebrews 4:12 pointed at the positive side of Jesus' ability to sympathize and now he views it from another angle - the negative - "We have not. . ."

To "sympathize" means to "suffer along with." Jesus feels our pain, hurt, and frustration - He has been there.

Our confidence is directly related to His ability to help us in our "weaknesses" - "any kind or form of felt need."

Two phrases of encouragement express that Jesus' experience matches ours - "
1. "Just as we are" - His temptations were just like ours.
2. "In every way" - His temptations extend to all points.

"Yet was without sin" - Jesus never succumbed to temptation. Note that temptation in itself is not sinful - He was tempted to be sure; but, He never fell! Jesus was exposed to the same temptations that we will be exposed to today. In fact, He passed through stresses and strains beyond what any man has experienced. Jesus has set an example, but more importantly, He has given us inspiration in that He understands, and gives us hope and power to refuse the bait that Satan puts before us.

Isn't it great to know that we are not in this alone? May He give us all strength to say, "No" when we want to say, "Yes" to the things that bring death, destruction, guilt and shame.

Trusting our understanding and symnpathetic Jesus for today~ Bob