For because He Himself [in His humanity] has suffered in being tempted (tested and tried), He is able [immediately] to run to the cry of (assist, relieve) those who are being tempted and tested and tried [and who therefore are being exposed to suffering]. Hebrews 2:18 (AMPC)
Temptation is not a sin, but how we handle it definitely matters.
Jesus faced all the same daily temptations that we do, such as the lure of greed or the temptation to abuse His power or cheat, and because He endured the same, He closely identifies and wants to help us.
Hebrews 2:16 (NLT) says that “the Son did not come to help angels; he came to help the descendants of Abraham.” Christ came to help and restore the descendants of Abraham—the human race—into right standing with God. To fulfill God’s plan, Jesus had to maintain His sinlessness because giving into just one sin would have destroyed His ability to act as the perfect sacrifice to save mankind. Imagine how tempting it must have been for Him to cave into telling even one little lie. No wonder today’s verse says He suffered!
Maybe you’re suffering too and feel tempted to unleash unkind words or to stray beyond the confines of your marriage.
When you feel your thoughts turning toward that tempting habit to cheat or lie, just say, “God, I’m asking for Your power.” As you turn to His grace, He will empower you to make the right choices. As His power is at work in your life, He’ll help your unhealthy desires to change so that you begin to desire what He desires. Whichever way you’re being tested and tried, Jesus fully understands the struggle and is eager to help guide you in the right direction.
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