By: Arnie Cole and Michael Ross
Today's passage
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.
Reflect
-Jesus, who was also tempted, understands what I am going through. Does this truth help me look Him in the eye when I sin?
-Have I ever really thought about the fact that Jesus was truly tempted by Satan in the desert? Or have I assumed that because He is Jesus, it was easy for Him?
-What would it look like to turn to Jesus for comfort and reassurance? What's holding me back from doing that?
Most of us can remember a time in which a good friend or loved one empathized with us during a difficult situation: "I know how you feel. I've been there. I get what you're going through, and it's going to be okay." These words convey comfort and solace; they make us feel less alone and they offer hope for recovery and healing. These verses from Hebrews remind us that Jesus is that friend. He, too, faced temptation during His 40 days alone in the desert. He, too, suffered sorrow, pain, grief, and even fear. Jesus gets it. And because He gets it, because He knows what suffering feels like, He offers us real comfort, reassurance, and hope.
Respond
Ask for Change: Lord, I want to come to You truthfully, as I really am, flaws and all. Help me trust You.
Consider what's real: Do you ever feel compelled to hide your true self from God? Do you approach Him as someone you're not, masking the worst parts of yourself, pretending to be someone else? Don't forget, God created you; He created the uniquely original person that is you. He knows you inside and out, including your darkest parts. In fact, He knows your transgressions before they even occur. Today, try to approach God in prayer as honestly and as openly as possible. You might even begin your prayer with a statement like, "Here I am God. Here's the whole me," and then sit back and see how that feels. You might be surprised by how liberating such unedited honesty is.
Additional verses to consider: Psalm 139:11-12
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