A Friend Who Understands

“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.  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.  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.” (Hebrews 4:14-16 NIV)

What draws us to certain people?  Usually, it is the things we have in common.  We share common interests, are at similar points in life (in college, married, having kids, etc.), or have similar struggles with which we are dealing.  These are all sources of connecting points around which relationships are formed and developed.  

So I am wondering why so few are drawn to Jesus?  He was human, just like us.  He experienced the process of growing up in a family, was educated, and faced the same temptations we face in life.  It would seem we have a lot in common and that He can definitely understand us, and what we go through.  

Yet, I wonder if it isn’t difficult for us to picture Jesus as experiencing life like us.  He was the Son of God, after all.  And we tend to view “holy” people, like pastors, priests, and missionaries differently, particularly if everything about their lives confirms they are godly people.  So it may be hard for us to imagine they struggle against temptations of lust, drunkenness, greed, anger, etc.  They are above that, right?  

As a pastor, I have experienced some of this.  Among a group of unbelieving strangers, when it is learned what I do for a living, suddenly people will start talking differently or apologize for how they had been talking.  They will make jokes that imply my life is vastly different from theirs.  What it comes down to is they think I couldn’t possibly relate to them and their lives.  

Is that how we also think of Jesus?  We can’t imagine Jesus being tempted to look at pornography, to sleep with a woman, to get drunk, to hold a grudge, to be greedy, to gossip, or to do any other sin we can think of, so we think He can’t understand us and our struggles?  If that is the case, then we need to read this passage again, carefully.  For it says Jesus “has been tempted in EVERY way, just as we are.”  EVERY way. Thus, there is not a sin that you have committed in your life or been tempted to commit that Jesus has not faced as well. Not one.  The only experience He does not share with us in regards to temptation is actually falling into sin.  He overcame EVERY temptation.  But just because He did not fall does not mean He does not understand.  He experienced the same struggle we have and thus understands it.  

Today, recognize the one person who can fully understand your struggle with sin is not your mom or dad, your brother or sister, or your best friend. It is Jesus, because He has experienced everything you are experiencing.  He understands.  And He invites you to seek Him out, to talk to Him, and to ask for His help in your time of need.   

© Jim Musser 2014