For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. (Hebrews 2:18 ESV)
Understood
I had a bee in my car. I had grown up believing that I was allergic to bee-stings, and so usually, when I saw a bee, I darted in another direction. But in my car, my dart-choices were limited. I tried to watch the road and bee, while manually rolling down my window. With so many things to keep track of, is it any wonder that I stopped watching the speedometer?
The policeman by the side of the road was watching my speed, though.
And he pulled me over to discuss it with me.
When I told him what had happened, he nodded sagely. “I hate bees, too.” He declared. “I understand. Go on your way, young man.”
He understood, because he had experienced the same trouble. It felt wonderful to be understood like that.
Even better, our Jesus understands our temptations because He was tempted, too.
So He understands. So He cares. So He hurts alongside us. So He is on our side. This is something He does for His people.
We are peculiar, we are understood.