Shared experiences
by Pastor Greg Fowler
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Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted (Hebrews 2:18).
We all know that the depth of our relationships is related to our shared experiences. The more time we spend with someone else, the closer we become. The discoveries we make and the emotions we feel together create a bond, drawing us closer and shaping us more like each other. People married for many years understand this instinctively. Shared experiences bring us closer to one another.
The writer to the Hebrews talks about this phenomenon. He asserts that Jesus has shared our human experiences and, therefore, is bound to us. Because he has been tempted, he can supply us with what is needed to resist temptation and flourish in the experience.
When I was training to be a pastor, I visited a member with cancer. I did my very best when I was with her. I read Scripture, I listened to her pain and worry, I assured her of God’s presence, and I prayed she would experience God’s peace. Even so, I knew she needed more. I spoke to my senior pastor, and he told me to take another member along who had survived cancer. As those two ladies embraced during the visit, they said ‘I know’ through their tears. I witnessed a breakthrough. The shared experience allowed us all to receive God’s word more fully, and that wonderful saint was sustained by God through her battle with cancer.
Jesus is the one who has gone through every difficult and painful experience we will ever face. He shares our experiences completely and in a real way. That shared experience combined with the powerful, life-giving word of God allows us to grow, no matter what we face. Be it trauma or temptation, Jesus is there with us.
Lord God, as we are tempted and face challenging times, we know you are with us. Help us receive your word and promise for what we endure today. Amen.
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