Hebrews 2:17–18

Memory Verse

Wherefore, He was obligated according to all things to be like His brethren, in order that He should be a merciful and faithful High Priest of the things facing God for the purpose of providing a satisfaction for the sins of the people. For in that which He Himself suffered, having been tested, He is inherently able to aid those who are tempted (Hebrews 2:17–18).

Christ understands the temptations we face. Although we may feel that our temptations are more intense or different from those of others, the reality is that no temptation has overtaken us except what is common to all (1 Corinthians 10:13). This does not mean we will all fall to the same temptations. However, we are all susceptible to them (Galatians 6:1).

Since Christ suffered and was tempted Himself, He now serves as our High Priest before God. He makes intercession for us (Romans 8:34). Through His blood, a satisfaction was made for the righteousness of God. This concerns the deferral of punishment for sins previously committed. Through this, it is possible for us to be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:19).

In knowing our temptations, Christ has also provided us with the means to overcome any temptation we face. For our sin nature, we have the truth: know (Romans 6:4–6), reckon (Romans 6:11), yield (Romans 6:13). When Satan attacks, we have the armor of God, by which we are able to stand and resist his methodologies (Ephesians 6:10–18). Even the world system, which we have been crucified to in Christ, no longer holds its sway over us when we set our minds on the things above (1 John 2:15–16; 4:17; Galatians 6:14).