Creator, Father, King #330

This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.

WHEN LIFE’S TRIALS FEEL like a blistering desert, with no relief in sight, is it best to search for an oasis alone? When you navigate turbulent waters, should you row the boat by yourself? When you enter gloomy forests that seem to obscure all light, is it best to travel without a companion?

No, of course not. Humans were meant to live in community with each other, not isolation. This is especially true as we endure hardships.

As we continue our series on life’s trials, we turn our attention to someone who can truly empathize with all our weaknesses—in a way that no mere human can. He is your best ally. He is your greatest hope.

His name is Jesus.

What’s It Mean?

Hebrews, more than any other book in Scripture, provides great insight into why God’s Son is so uniquely qualified to help us endure trials. Look at Hebrews 4:14-16:

Since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

During his time on earth, Jesus endured physical deprivation, sleepless nights, emotional burdens, and severe rejection. Adversity was his shadow, and struggle was his companion. In every way, God’s Son perfectly comes alongside us during our distress. (See today’s verse and Hebrews 2:17.)

But Jesus’ love and compassion for us goes far beyond familiarity with our daily challenges. Hebrews refers to Jesus as our “High Priest” because, through the Cross, he perfectly fulfilled the Old Testament high priestly role of representing God’s people and atoning for their sins. He endured indescribable suffering for our salvation.

Our trials don’t compare with what Jesus went through for our sake—not even close. Yet he doesn’t minimize our sufferings; he empathizes with us. He wants to bear our burdens (Matthew 11:28-30).

Praise God that, in his Son, we have a great High Priest who understands all our weaknesses and perfectly represents us before the Father through his atoning sacrifice!

Now What?

Read Isaiah 42:3 to see how gently Jesus treats those who are suffering.

Did You Know?

Hebrews 12:2 is a great example of persevering through adversity while focusing on future hope.