“For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted” (Hebrews 2:18 ESV).
The writer of Hebrews wants us to see that Jesus’ humanity was no illusion. He truly suffered, and He was truly tempted. Yet unlike us, He never yielded to sin. His suffering was not only an example for us to follow but a redemptive act that qualified Him to be our merciful and faithful High Priest. The word “help” here literally means “to run to the cry.” Because Jesus endured temptation and suffering victoriously, He now runs to the aid of those who cry out to Him. He helps us not because He fell to temptation as we do, but because He overcame—and in Him, we can overcome as well. As Jesus Himself said, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
When temptation presses in or suffering feels unbearable, we often think, “No one understands.” But Jesus does. He walked the same road, faced the same testing, and endured greater pain than we can imagine. Yet He did not sin. Because of His victory, He is able to help us in ours. The help He offers is not merely comfort—it is power. The same Spirit that strengthened Him now lives in us. We are not left to fight alone. Christ runs to our cry, not as one who failed and feels sorry for us, but as the victorious Redeemer who enables us to stand firm. So, when temptation comes, we can call on the One who overcame it. When suffering strikes, we can lean on the One who endured it. In Him, we have a High Priest who both understands and helps.
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for sending Jesus, who suffered and was tempted yet never sinned. Thank You that through His victory we can find strength in our weakness and hope in our trials. Lord Jesus, run to our cry today. Strengthen us by Your Spirit that we might overcome as You overcame. In Your name we pray, amen.