March 3, 2015 By: Meredith Trank
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
~Hebrews 4:15
During the season of lent, we are urged to give up something so we may emulate what Christ’s 40 days of suffering was like. Whether that’s sweets or hot showers or rap music, people give up a comfort so we may see our greater need for Christ and his perfect provision. When giving up something though, temptation enters in. All of a sudden we want that comfort like never before and may begin to worship it. When we fall into this temptation, we don’t have to be discouraged. Rather, we can be encouraged that we have a Savior through Jesus who can perfectly relate to us.
This verse in Hebrews describes how Jesus can sympathize with our struggles and weaknesses because he too was tempted when he was on earth. Jesus understands how difficult it is for us to give up something of great comfort to us, but Jesus is also our way to escape from the temptation and suffering. We can run to him in these moments of weakness. We can rest in the overflowing grace he gives us.
This verse also reflects how Jesus was tempted like we are and can relate to us in that hardship, but he was still without sin. Jesus was the perfect sacrifice for our sins. He was the spotless lamb that died on the cross so we no longer have to be enslaved to sin. So we need not let our sin have a hold on us, because Jesus’ death has set us free!
My encouragement for us all during this season of lent is to not retreat into worry or fear when temptation comes during these 40 days, but rather to run to Jesus, our perfect Savior, who can sympathize with our weaknesses and be our escape.
Father, I pray that in times of temptation we feel your overflowing grace rest upon us. May we run to you for comfort alone and not things of this earth. Amen.
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