Jesus Understands Our Struggles

This morning I felt like reading from Hebrews 4:14-16 NIV:

"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. [15] For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are---yet he did not sin. [16] Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

Lately, I have been meditating on the fact that Jesus came to earth, fully human, and developed from a baby to a man, in the same way that each of us develops. It really is an amazing thing, His emptying Himself and in humility becoming man. The author of the letter to the Hebrews is flowing in that same mindset, as he describes the fact that Jesus was tempted in every way.

I don't think there is any clearer example of the complete emptying of His divinity than that statement found in verse 15. The Greek word Peirazo that is translated 'tempted' has the primary meaning of being tested, as in trying to do something new and being tested in one's abilities and character. The secondary meaning has to do with temptation. I think both translations are so important for us to understand. Jesus, in becoming man, was tested in the same ways that we are tested by new challenges and struggles. He was tempted to go against the will of the Father (the basic definition of temptation in this context) and there is no way either could be the case if He didn't empty Himself of His divinity.

I am greatly encouraged to know that Jesus really understands our struggles and the work that is required to overcome difficulties, struggles and temptation. It is because of this knowledge that He has mercy, and provides us grace to help us in our time of need (verse 16). He understands our struggles. He knows how deceptive the enemy is, and how alluring sin can be. He has lived without, has been uprooted, has been rejected, has lived a life of being overlooked and misunderstood. He has dealt with the loss of loved ones, seen sickness and disease. He has worked hard, learned the aches and pains of our frail human bodies, and in all of this - "He did not sin" (verse 15).

We can approach the throne with confidence, not fear, when we come to Him for help. He can empathize with our weakness, our pains our struggles, because He has lived them. He didn't live a life of privilege and prosperity, but rather a normal human life. As I write this I a reminded of the story of "The Prince and the Pauper" by Mark Twain, where the prince and the poor boy exchange places, and the prince has no ideas of the struggles of the poor in his father's kingdom until he trades places with the poor boy. This makes him into a fair and just king one day, and the same is true of Jesus. It is because He was fully human that He empathizes with us, and has mercy upon us.

So let us be encouraged as we approach Jesus. He understands our situation and will have mercy on us and provide us the help we need (grace).