The Tempted

Day 304: Hebrews 2:1-18

“Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” - Hebrews 2:17-18 ESV

We may believe that Jesus is our Lord (the one who calls the shots in our life) and our Savior (the one who delivered/delivers us from darkness), but do we believe that He truly understands what we are going through on a day to day basis?

In these verses, we see that Jesus was made like us in every way. He had to eat. He had to sleep. He got sick from time to time. He experienced sorrow and gladness. He enjoyed the blessings of friendship and the torture of betrayal.

The writer of Hebrews says this was essential for him to showcase his mercy (deep compassion) and faithfulness (dependability).

A great physician is not just one who has read about the sickness you're dealing with. The doctor that we want is someone who has experienced that weakness personally. This is why Jesus is the ultimate advocate for us. He actually does know what it feels like to deal with what we are all facing today.

“Christ is not like those doctors who come and say they are sorry for you, whereas in their hearts they are glad you are ill, for if you and others were not ill, there would be no work for them. Or else they look down upon you, and pity you, but not half as much as if they themselves had your complaint, and felt all the pains that you are feeling. But suppose that the doctor had all your pains himself—suppose you had the headache, and that he looked down on you, and had your headache. Suppose, when you had palpitation of the heart, he had palpitation of the heart, too. Why, he would be very quick to cure you. Certainly, he would not let you lie there a moment longer than was necessary, because he himself would be suffering with you.” - C.H. Spurgeon (“Hebrews” pg 52)