The Doorpost: Jesus is there when we are tempted

For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Hebrews 2:18

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. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:15-16

What do we do when we are tempted? Where do we turn for help? The answer to these questions provides a good indication of how much we believe the truth of the verses above.

These verses reveal an important truth—Jesus Christ is on our side! He is not there as a critic, waiting for or even expecting us to fail. He is there ready and willing to provide help if only we come to Him for it.

He is not critical of our weakness—He understands it. He knows what we are made of and what we are up against. There is not any aspect of temptation we face that He didn’t also face. And He doesn’t just understand it. He knows how to help us through it.

When we are tempted, we don’t have to face it alone. In fact, it is disobedient to face it alone. We are told to come to Him—to draw near to Him. We are not to draw near timidly or fearfully. We are told to draw near to Him with confidence—not a confidence in our own strength and ability, but a confidence in His mercy for us and His grace to help us in our time of need.

Jesus Christ is our merciful and faithful High Priest. He is there to help us and He is on our side!