**Sip Saturday is written by our Saturday morning contributor, M.H. Elrich. A beautifully gifted Christian author who seeks to honor the Trinity in her writing. She hopes that her words will encourage women to draw closer to God, whether that is through her fantasy series or her weekly devotionals.
Cornerstone Scripture:
For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
-Hebrews 2:18 ESV
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, hangry means: irritable or angry because of hunger. I’ve definitely said and done things when I was hungry that I later regret. After getting food, I immediately felt better and wondered why I was so upset to begin with.
Surely, Jesus was feeling hangry when he fasted for 40 days and nights in preparation for his ministry. During that time, I imagine Satan tempted him with every manner of sin. Only three are recorded in the New Testament (Matthew 4, Mark 1, Luke 4). However, from Hebrews, we can understand that Jesus was tempted just as we are. Unlike us, he did not sin. Because of his experience, he is able to relate to us.
When we’re tempted to look at that screen one more time, or desire our neighbor’s new car a little too much, God knows. Instead of judgement, he offers sympathy and compassion. He knows exactly what it is like to suffer under the weight of sin.
When we feel the weight of the worries of this world, he understands and calls out to us to give him our burdens. To me, one of the most telling examples of his understanding of our suffering comes from a scene in the garden before his death.
“And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, ‘Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.’ And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.”
-Luke 22:41-44 ESV
Jesus knew he would have to suffer loneliness, whipping, carrying a cross, nakedness, being nailed to a cross, thirst, hunger, mocking, laughing, and eventually, asphyxiation from dying. Most of all, he would be separated from his Father in a terrifying way. Who would want to suffer such things? No one! That is why he cries out to God and asks that the “cup” of his suffering be removed. His earnest pleas and even the note that his sweat was like drops of blood points to his intense sorrow.
If Jesus experienced something like that, he knows how much pain we are in. He understands the temptation to run away (I’m certain he felt the desire when in the garden!). He sympathizes when we feel angry at those who come against us (I’m sure he felt anger at those who came for him at first). Yet, he didn’t let his feelings and temptations dictate his actions.
His holy life is a lesson for all of us. When we are tempted to give up or give in, let us turn to Jesus and plea for his help. He will have compassion on us, for he knows what it is like, and He will ask the Holy Spirit to intercede on our behalf. He will help us through whatever we face.
Let’s pray.
Dear Lord, thank you for suffering on my behalf. Thank you for being someone who sympathizes with me when I am tempted. Help me out of temptation and into your arms of compassion. In your Son’s name, Amen.
It just floors me that Jesus was in such pain and still thought of his Mom, the man on a cross next to him, and the crowd there to mock him. It was a struggle for him to breathe, yet he was still making intentional connections. He went through torture - the cross was meant to humiliate. The whipping alone could kill a person. Yet his attitude was filled with dignity. He went through it all for us.
Thank you! Full of encouragement. God bless you!💕