Jesus Understands and Helps

June 01, 2015 | By Chuck

"For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted."(Heb.2:17-18) Jesus was "made like his brothers", that's you and me, when became flesh. While living on this earth and in the flesh he went through many of the same things that you and I endure today. We know that Jesus was tempted.(Mt.4:1-11) In fact, the Hebrew writer explains that Jesus 'suffered when he was tempted". Even though Jesus suffered when he was tempted, we know that he never sinned.(Heb.4:15) The good news for all of us today is that because Jesus suffered when he was tempted he is able to help those who are being tempted. When you and I are tempted Jesus understands how we feel and what we're going through and is able to help us. All of us deal with various temptations probably on a daily basis. Far too many times we lose out to the temptation yielding to sin. I don't know about you but I need help. It gives me great comfort and assurance knowing that Jesus understands what I go through when I'm tempted and that he's there to help me. How does he help? I believe Jesus gives us strength to overcome the temptations as we look to him in prayer. If we would just remember to pray instead of yielding to the temptation. If we would look to Jesus instead of the potential sin that stares us in the face. Remember, God has promised there is always a way of escape from each temptation. We must remember to look for it. "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."(I Cor.10:13)