He is Able to Aid

For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted,
He is able to aid those who are tempted.
Hebrews 2:18, NKJV

So, there it is. Bright and colorful, delectable and juicy, wonderful to look at, even better to touch, taste and handle. I'm certain it would satisfy this intense hunger and craving, and no one's looking. Who will it hurt? And even though I know it's wrong, once it's over I can repent and then have a testimony about the goodness of God. If I experience this, I can identify more closely with those I want to reach. Doing this simply validates my humanity and the amazing grace of the Lord. Oh, why does it have to hang there on the branch, just within reach, so attractive and available? Why can't it be ugly? Why can't it be somewhere out of reach? Why can't it...

And then I take and eat.

Temptation is common to us all. Unfortunately, giving in to temptation is common to us all too. It was common to Jesus. The Bible tells us of three specific temptations at the beginning of His ministry, and one specific temptation at the end. At the first, the devil tempted Jesus with His own hunger and power, His identity and position, His faith and pride. Jesus resisted the devil with the word, and the devil had to flee. At the last, the devil tempted Jesus with His own life, His authority, His power, position, and pride all over again. "If you are the Son of God...Come down off that cross!"

But Jesus passed the test. He resisted temptation and died for the sins of all. He who knew no sin became sin for us. When speaking of Him as the great high priest, the author of Hebrews says that Jesus was tempted and tried in every way that we are, and yet without sin. Tempted and tried in every way, the same as me? Really? Do you ever wonder about that?

Was Jesus ever tempted to fry His enemies with fire from heaven? I know the disciples wanted to.

Was Jesus ever tempted to make a deal with Judas so they could split the profits of a miracle ministry?

Was Jesus ever tempted by the fragrance of Mary Magdalene's perfume?

Was Jesus ever tempted to go back to Nazareth and be a nail-pounder, get married, have a couple of kids, and live out his life in obscurity?

Was Jesus ever tempted to wash his hands of his hard-headed, stiff-necked, dull-minded disciples?

Was Jesus ever tempted to deny who He was so that He could escape the sorrow and suffering that awaited Him?

Was Jesus ever tempted to roar with divine authority and put the universe out of its misery?

Was Jesus ever tempted to tell God, "No"?

Even though none of that is recorded, nor any other specific temptations, the Bible says that He was tempted. He was tempted in every way the same as me. Tempted by lust, greed, pride, anger, hurt, rebellion. He was touched with my infirmities. He carried them in His body, bearing our griefs and our sorrows along with our sins to Calvary's cross. But He did not give in to them. He endured, He persevered, He triumphed over all temptation and thumbed His nose at the devil, making his enemies a public spectacle as He died that sinless and sacrificial death for my sake.

And because He was tempted, yet without sin, He is able to help me in the midst of my temptation, trial, and trouble. The Bible says there is no temptation that comes upon me except that which is common to mankind. It also says that God will not place upon me more than I can bear, but will always provide a way of escape. And Jesus will be my help in present time of need. Jesus will be my strong tower, my shelter, my shield, my refuge, and my guide. Jesus will stand by me and assist me out of the hole I've dug for myself, or the trap that was set for my feet, or the crisis I've created because I just couldn't keep away from that stupid apple.

But more importantly, He is able to help me avoid temptation altogether, or resist it when it comes up against me. He is able to aid me...if I'll just get out of His way and let Him do what He wants to do.