12. Why was it essential that Christ should face the same temptations as we face? Hebrews 2:17.
NOTE: ‘We need more of Christlike sympathy; not merely sympathy for those who appear to us to be faultless, but sympathy for poor, suffering, struggling souls, who are often overtaken in fault, sinning and repenting, tempted and discouraged. We are to go to our fellow men, touched, like our merciful High Priest, with the feeling of their infirmities.’ The Ministry of Healing, page 164.
13. What courage of heart does it give us in temptation, knowing that Jesus has walked our life before us, and overcome? Revelation 3:21.
NOTE: ‘Temptation, however strong, is never an excuse for sin. “The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers.” Cry unto the Lord, tempted soul. Cast yourself, helpless, unworthy, upon Jesus, and claim His very promise. The Lord will hear. He knows how strong are the inclinations of the natural heart, and He will help in every time of temptation.’ Testimonies for the Church, volume 5, page 177.
LESSON INSIGHT: The Man of Calvary came to us on our terms, that He might be a merciful High Priest to those who are caught up in temptation and sin. Jesus suffered our temptations, and there is no attack of the evil one that He has not faced. He wrestled on our behalf, so we can pray, ‘Lord, this is my problem, I need help to overcome.’ It is then as if Jesus can look back at His experience and respond instantly. ‘I have been there, I overcame on your behalf, so here is the very text you need to claim the power I was given by My Father to gain that same victory.’ Jesus used the Word of God to overcome the evil one. He did not use special divine power. He used only what we have access to, the Words of Scripture. We should place these holy words in our own memories. This is how the Holy Spirit can bring them to our remembrance when we need it. This is how Jesus helps His church to become pure in heart and life. ‘Thy Word have I hid in mine heart that I might not sin against Thee.’ Psalm 119:11.