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Hebrews 4:15 - Sympathy And Empathy in Temptation.

Hebrews 4:15 (ESV) 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.

INTRODUCTION

Jesus is like us because he experienced a full range of temptations throughout his life as a human being. We can be comforted knowing that Jesus faced temptation - he can sympathize with us. We can be encouraged knowing that Jesus faced temptation without giving in to sin. He shows us that we do not have to sin when facing the seductive lure of temptation. Jesus is the only perfect human being who has ever lived. [Life Application SB]

COMMENTARY PEARLS

Sympathy And Empathy
   In preparing to facilitate a corporate training course on emotional intelligence, I was surprised by the difference between empathy and sympathy. Sympathy is staying where I am and acknowledging from a distance that someone else's situation is bad. Empathy is moving closer and trying to feel what someone else is feeling. Where a sympathetic person attempts to make someone feel better with words, an empathetic person listens, stays present with someone in their space, and accepts all emotions.
   We have a high priest who has experienced everything necessary as a human being in order to understand all of our struggles. Jesus is sympathetic because He sees the rough situations I'm in and provides a divine perspective of my circumstances. But He is also empathetic. He desires to connect with me (Revelation 3:20) and is willing to meet me where I am to comfort me and ease my burden (Matthew 11:28-29). Jesus is also compassionate. He steps in to address my needs (Matthew 14:14).
   When people share their pain with me, I tend to stay in the safe place of sympathy. I want to pull them out of their dark space and brush aside their feelings. But Jesus, as my high priest, empathizes with me when I share my pain and weaknesses. My hope is to reflect His example and demonstrate that same empathy to others. Ericka Loynes
   Faith Step: The next time someone shares their hurt with you, try putting yourself in their shoes, feeling their emotions and listening to their thoughts. [Mornings With Jesus 2024 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan]

Tempted as We Are
   According to experts, the five most addicting substances include not only heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamines but also two socially acceptable drugs: alcohol and nicotine. All these substances flood the brain's reward center with dopamine, the neurotransmitter involved with pleasure.
   Today's promise says that our High Priest was "without sin," which means He never used a harmful substance. Then how can He "sympathize with" a drug addict? Consider two factors in His leading temptation. First, His appetite for food was intensified by forty days of fasting (Matthew 4:2). And second, His power to create was targeted by the devil (v. 3). This combination made His temptation to turn stones into bread far more intense than the craving for a cigarette.
   Often misunderstood is how Jesus was tempted "in all points ... as we are." Rather than having experienced every sinful craving known to humans, He felt the intensity of sinful craving in all three classes of temptation: "the lust of the flesh [sensualism], the lust of the eyes [materialism], and the pride of life [egotism]" (1 John 2:16). Thus, in addition to being enticed with stones (Matthew 4:2, 3), He was shown the world's kingdoms (vv. 8, 9) and lifted to the temple's pinnacle (vv. 5, 6). The basis of His temptations was the same as ours - to unlawfully increase dopamine in the brain.
   Because our High Priest overcame on our behalf, He can help us with our addictions when we "come boldly to the throne of graced" Will you accept His victory over sin?
   Heavenly Father, I boldly come to Your throne. Please give me the grace to be victorious in Christ. [The Most Amazing Bible Promises by Amazing Facts]

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

Matthew 4:4 - Lessons From Jesus in the Wilderness [addendum].
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2010/20100103-1533.html

1 Corinthians 10:13 - Temptation Comes with Limits and a Way of Escape.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230615-0856.html

Hebrews 4:16 - Pray For Mercy And Grace To Help In Time Of Need.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220407-0942.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/