Notes of Faith June 5, 2024

Jesus Can Identify With You

For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted. Hebrews 2:18

Two words in the English language are often confused and, therefore, misused: sympathize and empathize. Sympathy literally means “to suffer with.” Sympathy is expressed by feelings of pity or sorrow for someone’s suffering. You may not understand what the person is experiencing, but you feel badly for them. To empathize goes a step further. Empathy means “to understand and share in the suffering of another because you have experienced the same suffering yourself.”

Jesus expressed both sympathy and empathy. He was “moved with compassion” when He observed the spiritual condition of people—they were like “sheep having no shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). This was not something Jesus had experienced Himself, but He sympathized with the suffering of others. But when it comes to the suffering we experience in temptation, Jesus can empathize with us because “He Himself has suffered, being tempted.” Having experienced the same suffering, He knows how to come to our aid.

You are not alone when you are tempted. Jesus knows what you are experiencing. As He escaped temptation Himself, He will guide you through to victory over sin.

Our response to temptation is an accurate barometer of our love for God.

Erwin Lutzer

Heb 4:15-16

15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

We all face temptations, most of which cause us painful and devastating consequences. Jesus knows our struggle and can and will give us the power to overcome the tempting obstacles placed before us. The power and authority of the Word of God is what Jesus used when tempted by Satan. Perhaps that is your best defense. Know the Word of God that you might be able to use it at any time!

Pastor Dale