Celia Stone: Jesus empathizes with us

Temptations come in all shapes and sizes. Perhaps we tend to categorize sins into major and minor ones, and feel good about seeming free from temptations to murder or commit adultery or steal.

It might be enticing to try to minimize sins like gossiping, spending too much, eating too much or drinking too much. In reality, giving into temptations that might seem less harmful actually can hurt us and those around us in dramatic ways. Ultimately, they build barriers against what God desires to do in our lives.

Jesus, fully God and fully human, empathizes with us. He can relate.

“Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16

Through the perfect, eternal high priest, we can enjoy direct access to God. He understands our struggles and provides solutions when we are tempted.

“So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10: 12-13.

We all encounter difficulties that we wish we did not have to face. Like Jesus, we can express our desires to God, but should conclude by submitting our will to his.

“Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, ‘Pray that you will not fall into temptation.’ He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, ‘Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.’” Luke 22:39-42.