For we do not have a High Priest Who is unable to understand and sympathize and have a shared feeling with our weaknesses and infirmities and liability to the assaults of temptation, but One Who has been tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sinning. Hebrews 4:15 (AMPC)
Does Jesus really know how you feel?
It’s hard to imagine that he could relate. I mean, he’s the Son of God, right? How could he know what it feels like to be a human being walking the planet?
Actually, he knows exactly how that feels.
As we discussed yesterday, Philippians 2:5–7 says that Jesus limited himself by walking the planet as a human being filled with Holy Spirit. Although he was the Son of God, he was all man. And as it says in today’s verse, he experienced all the same struggles, limitations and temptations that we have.
Jesus didn’t appear on the planet with all the power of God. He experienced what it felt like to be a little child. He learned and he grew. He experienced grief, anger and loneliness. And, just as you are, he was tempted to meet his desires the wrong way. Jesus overcame that temptation by learning to rely on God’s Word and Holy Spirit’s leading, just as you can.
Jesus understands. Doesn’t that make you love him all the more?
Not only does he understand, but he’s your example. You have the same Spirit inside you. So if Jesus could overcome temptation, so can you! If he could resist, so can you because Holy Spirit empowers you too! If Jesus could meet his desires in healthy ways that line up with the principles in God’s Word, so can you!