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.

Devotion based on Hebrews 4:15

Modern travel has a way of making things impersonal. When driving, you notice the cars but pay little attention to the people in those vehicles. You don’t know anything about them, and they are forgotten as soon as you pass them. Riding in an airplane causes you to pass over homes, but you don’t stop and wonder who lives there or what their lives might be like. We pass by thousands of people, and we give little thought to who they are or what they are experiencing.

As we travel through life, we can feel like God is just one more person who is far away or removed. It can be easy to think of Jesus as someone who is near but doesn’t really understand what we are experiencing.

The writer to the Hebrews reminds us that Jesus was tempted in every way that you are tempted. He can sympathize with you in your weakness. He knew hunger and had tears running down his cheeks. He had his friends leave him and knew what a long day of work feels like. He was tired, hungry, betrayed, and sad.

The next time you pray, remember that Jesus has experienced all the joys and pains that you have, but in all of this, he did not sin. He is like us but better. In good moments, he never fell into the sin of pride or failed to give thanks to God. In sad moments, he did not lose hope or fall into anger or despair. He faced our challenges and was tempted in every way yet was without sin.

We do not have an impersonal Savior. He knows us and gets us. He has been through what we have been through. He was tempted but was without sin. We have one who is like us but better.

Prayer:

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All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.