Hebrews 4:15 "We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses."
Have you ever tried to explain your troubles to someone who just could not understand? Perhaps you tried to describe a pain to your doctor and felt that he or she did not begin to realize how bad it really was. It is disheartening to think that no one is sympathetic.
How wonderful to know that there is someone who understands fully just what our needs and troubles are! Jesus, our High Priest, is able to sympathize with us because He has experienced our weaknesses. Since He had human flesh and blood, Jesus felt the needs of the body just as we do. He was hungry after He had been in the desert 40 days without food. He felt loneliness when His disciples deserted Him. He felt the hatred and envy of His enemies. He knew poverty and had no home of His own. He knew horrible pain of the type inflicted on Him during the time of His trial and crucifixion. He knew what it was to face death.
It is good to know that this Lord Jesus, who was in every respect tempted as we are, invites us to bring our needs to the throne of His grace. We are urged to come "with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" (Hebrews 4:16). Jesus is a sympathetic friend who always understands.
PRAYER: Dear understanding Lord Jesus, be at my side in every difficulty. Amen.
(Taken from "Words of Promise," copyright 1996, Concordia Publishing House (out of print). For information on other devotional materials, call 1-800-325-3040.)
Today's Bible Readings: Leviticus 3-5 Mark 5:21-43
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