Hebrews 2:18

The Book of Hebrews was written around AD 64-68 to a group of Jewish Christians who were deeply struggling. In the early days of their faith, these believers endured the loss of their property. They endured public shame and persecution. Then decades into following Christ, they were overwhelmed by the pressure. Some had already walked away from faith. Others were close to giving up.

The temptation they faced was significant. If they returned to Judaism, the persecution would stop. They could keep their property, reconcile with their families, and live in peace. If they stayed with Christ, they would continue to lose everything.

In their suffering, they may have wondered, "Does Jesus really understand what we are going through?" The Book of Hebrews addresses this very clearly. Yes, Jesus does understand.

Though Jesus is the son of God, He was made lower than the angels on our behalf.

Jesus was born as a human. Like all other humans, Jesus had limitations and weaknesses. At times, He was hungry. He was tired. He experienced all kinds of temptations. After 40 days of fasting in the wilderness, Satan came to Him with the same kind of temptations every human faces: physical need, testing God, and the lure of power. Jesus felt the temptation, but he never gave in.

That is why Hebrews 2:18 declares: "For in that he himself has suffered being tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted." The same Jesus who faced every temptation and overcame them is able to help you today.

"He himself has suffered being tempted" (αὐτὸς πειρασθείς πέπονθεν / autos peirastheis peponthen)

The Greek word peirazō means to be tested, to be tempted, to face severe trials. This is referring to intense pressure and hardship. Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness and was tempted by Satan. He faced the weight of death before the cross. The word paschō means to suffer deeply, to endure pain, to experience hardship. Jesus experienced all kinds of hardships in the form of betrayal, rejection, loneliness, and physical agony.

"He is able" (δύναται / dynatai)

The Greek word dynatai comes from the root dynamai, which means to have power, to be capable, to possess the ability to accomplish something. In Luke 1:49, the related word dynatos is used to describe God Himself as "the Mighty One." Jesus has the power to help you.

"To help those who are tempted" (βοηθῆσαι τοῖς πειραζομένοις / boēthēsai tois peirazomenois)

The Greek word boētheō means to help, to come to someone's aid. Imagine Jesus coming to where you are when you need help. He comes as someone who has already walked the path you are on right now.

I declare that the words of Hebrews 2:18 are true in my life.

• Jesus has suffered being tempted just as I am tempted.
• Jesus understands exactly what I am going through.
• Jesus is able to help me because He has already walked this path.
• When I call to Him, He runs to help me.

God,

Thank You for meeting me where I am. I am well loved by you. I am covered in your abounding mercy and grace. In You, I feel seen and understood. And it gives me such reassurance to know that you have already experienced what I am going through right now.

I have often felt like no one understands what I am going through. I have carried this burden alone, thinking that even You might not fully understand my struggle. But I realize now You understand my struggles more deeply than anyone else could.

Today I receive the truth: You have already faced what I am facing right now. You overcame it. You triumphed over it. So now, as someone who has walked the path before me, show me how to best navigate through this.

When temptation feels overwhelming, remind me that You faced the same and remained faithful. When I feel like giving up, remind me that You endured and conquered. When I feel alone, remind me that You are always with me.

I cry out to You now for help. Come to my aid. Show me how to keep going with strength. Help me to go forth with wisdom and discernment.

You are able to help me. I trust You.

In Your name I pray, Amen.