For because He Himself [in His humanity] has suffered in being tempted (tested and tried), He is able [immediately] to run to the cry of (assist, relieve) those who are being tempted and tested and tried [and who therefore are being exposed to suffering]. Hebrews 2:18 (AMPC)
Hebrews 2:16–18 is a great piece of scripture to study. First it mentions the fact that God made a plan to help mankind out of the fallen state we found ourselves in (which was the result of Adam’s decision) and into right standing with him.
Although a group of God’s angels had also fallen, he didn’t make a similar plan for them. He only did that for us!
Then it talks about Jesus in verse 17. It says, “So it is evident that it was essential that He be made like His brethren in every respect.” Who are his brethren? We are! It was essential that Jesus be made like us to enact God’s plan to save us. He needed to become a “merciful (sympathetic) and faithful High Priest in the things related to God, to make atonement and propitiation for the people’s sins” (AMPC).
Jesus isn’t judgmental, legalistic or angry. He isn’t going to nail you if you get out of line. He’s merciful and sympathetic. And, as it says in verse 18, because he was “tempted (tested and tried)” just as we are, he is “able [immediately] to run to the cry of (assist, relieve) those who are being tempted and tested and tried [and who therefore are being exposed to suffering]” (v. 18, AMPC). Isn’t that great news?
If you’re suffering today, you can turn to Jesus—turn to his grace—and know that he will always help.