“Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”
Hebrews 2:18
Do spiritual leaders have it all together? The best spiritual leaders confess their sins and weaknesses and deal gently with those who wrestle against the flesh. But sometimes those we look to for spiritual guidance act like they never fall or fail. They may even deal with us harshly in our times of weakness, unsympathetic when we confess that we have given into temptation. Not Jesus!
Jesus is our sympathetic high priest (Hebrews 4:14-16). How can this be when He hates sin more than anyone? Scripture tells us that He understands experientially what we’re going through. He’s endured every temptation that we have. In the same way that only someone who has been to prison can feel your pain and know your struggle, only a high priest who has waged war against temptation can be sympathetic in our fight against sin.
Jesus knows what it’s like to resist sin and persevere in righteousness. Because He was tempted, He is sympathetic; because He never gave in, He is holy. In gentleness, patience, and love, He calls us to holiness.
Jesus is our sympathetic high priest (Hebrews 4:14-16). How can this be when He hates sin more than anyone? Scripture tells us that He understands experientially what we’re going through. He’s endured every temptation that we have. In the same way that only someone who has been to prison can feel your pain and know your struggle, only a high priest who has waged war against temptation can be sympathetic in our fight against sin.
Jesus knows what it’s like to resist sin and persevere in righteousness. Because He was tempted, He is sympathetic; because He never gave in, He is holy. In gentleness, patience, and love, He calls us to holiness.
Scripture Focus
Matthew 6:9-13
Insight
Jesus is your co-sufferer, not a chastising parent. Go to Him with what you need. You’ll find Him happy to help you fight the battle.
Bible In A Year
- Leviticus 23-24
- Psalm 58
- Luke 22
