Hebrews 2:14-18

14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. 16 For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham's descendants. 17 For this reason he had to be made like his brothers and sisters in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Questions to consider:

• What reasons are given here for Christ’s (a) becoming man, (b) death, and (c) suffering?
• To what extent are you free from bondage and fear of death?
• What is the work of Christ as your high priest?
• How does Christ’s having suffered and experience temptation help you?

Possibilities for prayer:

Isn’t it encouraging to think about the way that Jesus was tempted while he walked on this earth? That means that we are not alone in our experiences of temptation, and that Jesus actually understands the emotions that we experience when we face temptation ourselves. Today, let’s ask for the courage that we need to endure temptation successfully, as Jesus did. Let’s share our burdens with Jesus, who understands exactly what we feel and have felt.