Hebrews 2:18 (ESV) -- For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Every person knows the feeling of temptation. It doesn’t even have to be a massive sinful temptation. It can be the temptation of eating sweets when you’re trying to lose weight. It is the temptation of extra sleep when you’re trying to begin your day sooner for extra prayer time. Temptations are around us daily. They are hard. Many give into temptation. Overcoming temptation is a strength developed, but not accomplished only by our own strength.

Our passage today reminds us that we have hope amid our temptations. The Hebrew writer says, “For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” The “he himself” in the passage is Jesus. He is the one who suffered under the strain of temptation. 

How was Jesus tempted? He was tempted by Satan in Matthew 4 to turn stones into bread, to jump down from the Temple, and to bow down before him. Jesus refused. But we also see the temptation Jesus experienced in the Garden of Gethsemane. He didn’t want to undergo the agony of facing His Father’s wrath. He struggled under the weight of sin’s curse and judgment. He could have easily succumbed to the pressure to save Himself, but He didn’t. He faced it. 

Jesus is a Savior that can understand our temptations. He has faced them in the flesh. Because He can sympathize with us in our weaknesses, and knows the pressure of temptation, He can help us. He provides hope to us. We don’t have to face these temptations in life alone. We can cry out to the One who intercedes for us. He has given us the Holy Spirit to empower us to resist sin and obey God.

Reflection & Journal:
- Why is this such an important passage for remembering Jesus’ qualifications to help us?
- What temptations are most common for you in life?
- How should Jesus’ willingness and ability to help you shape your prayer life?

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