“For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” (Heb 2:18)

Jesus did not have an easy life. He was misunderstood, attacked, beaten, and finally nailed to the cross. Along the way He was tempted. Unlike us, He did not succumb to temptation. He held fast, proving Himself to be faithful and righteous. As a result, He is able to act as our high priest, as the one who is the go between us and the Father.

As our high priest, He not only brings sacrifice on our behalf, but He is the sacrifice. He gives Himself so that He might propitiate (satisfy) the Father’s wrath against our sin (Heb 2:17).

Through Jesus’ high priestly activity we are also released from bondage. We no longer have to fear the power of death. It’s bondage has been broken (Heb 2:14-15). We experience these benefits because Jesus took on flesh and blood, partaking in our life, living righteously and defeating temptation (Heb 2:14;18).

Jesus can help us, then, in our suffering because His suffering resulted in our release from bondage and empowerment by Him. Therefore, when we are tempted, we should not turn inwardly, nor should we run from God. Instead, we should turn to Jesus. He is able to help us defeat the temptation to which we are experiencing.