He was really tempted by all of the same things?

July (7) 19, 2011

Scripture--Hosea 10-12; Psalm 73; Hebrews 4
"Seeing then that we have such a great high priest who that has passed into the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to the (our) profession of our faith.  For we have not a(n) high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help us in time of need." Hebrews 4:14-16  (I was trying this from memory, which I learned in KJV.)

Observation--The writer of Hebrews had introduced in chapter 2 that Jesus is our great high priest and that he suffered to become such, to make atonement for us.  But, he rose again, and has passed into heaven to serve (intercede Hebrews 7:25) as priest or us.

Jesus' suffering on our behalf--in human form--allows him to be our Good Shepherd.  He empathizes with us when we go through trials and temptations because he has been there, yet without sin!  He can intercede with the Father on our behalf because he went through the same thing.

It's hard--for me, at times--to believe that Jesus was tempted in every way like we are.  I'm not sure why guys always default to sexual temptation, but let's go there.  He didn't have the various forms of media we have today.  But, it all has root in the same temptation. 

For other temptations, any form of power or wealth that may be craved today for the wrong reasons, there were the same reasons back then.  Disobedience is still disobedience.  Sin is still sin.  But, when we do sin, when we do fail, we can approach the throne of God boldly.  Why? Because our faith in Jesus, the great High Priest, allows us to do so!  He intercedes on our behalf, allowing us to find the unmerited grace and mercy needed, when we need it most!

Application--Lord, help me to hold fast to my profession of faith, knowing that you, Jesus, are the apostle and high priest (Hebrews 3:1).  You act on my behalf, having gone through what I have, to offer me grace and mercy.

Prayer--Psalm 73:26, 28 (NIV) "My heart and flesh mail fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever....28 But as for me, it is good to be near to God, I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell all your deeds."