Jesus Fights For Us

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

Yesterday, we began talking about the comfort we can find in knowing that Jesus gets us. He understands us. He can empathize with everything we go through on this earth because He was a human being too. He felt all the same feelings we feel, yet He did not sin. Therefore, we can find a lot of peace and comfort in having a high priest who can empathize with us.

We already discussed the first of three facts about Jesus’ understanding of us. We talked about how Jesus feels what we feel. If you missed yesterday’s devotion, I urge you to go back and read it. But for now, we’re going to look at two more facts surrounding the empathy Jesus can offer us.

The second fact is that Jesus faces what we face. Just like Jesus feels all the things we feel, He also faces all the things we face. The hardship, the struggle, the trial, the temptation. The only difference is that Jesus faced all of those things and never sinned. Jesus took everything that Satan could throw at Him and still never gave in. He never yielded. Therefore, He can help us in our temptation because He knows what it takes to withstand it.

Finally, the third fact is that Jesus fights what we fight. Even though He is not here with us, Jesus is still fighting for us. He has opened the door for us to go into the very throne room of God anytime we want to, and when we do, we will find exactly what we need when we face temptation, whether we beat it or not. We will find mercy and grace because Jesus is fighting for us.

Dear Lord, thank you for teaching me how to face hardships and temptation with victory, and thank you for fighting on my behalf. I pray that you would consistently remind me of all three facts we’ve discussed when I’m discouraged so that I can find peace and comfort in your empathy. In Jesus’ name, amen.