For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. [1]
(Hebrews 2:18 ESV)
Helped
A few months ago I stopped by a friend’s house who was working on his riding lawnmower. Parts were spread around his driveway, and his grimy hands were scratching his grimy hair as he attempted to diagnose the machine’s trouble.
I am no trained mechanic… but I have repaired my lawnmower enough times to almost call myself a professional. He described what was wrong, and I knew immediately what the problem was. I offered advice, an extra not-yet-grimy hand, and help. And his demeanor brightened.
We receive a lot of advice from folk who do not have experience. And sometimes it still helps. But nothing beats someone who has adjusted those brakes, fiddled with that fuel line, reconnected that clutch, and walked in these shoes.
And Jesus has done those things. When He offers to help with our sanctification, our maturing, our understanding, our suffering… we can trust Him because He walked as we walk. Particularly, He has suffered the same temptations, only successfully!
In fact, we really need no other help than His.
We are peculiar, our savior can help.
[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Heb 2:18.