Scriptures tell us that Jesus was tempted in every way as we are.
Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted. – Hebrews 2:18
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. – Hebrews 4:15
In addition to temptation, Jesus had other experiences that helped Him identify with the human experience:
- He experienced 1st century family life - a self-employed father, mother and siblings (and perhaps sibling rivalry).
- He experienced a family of faith – parents who believed the word of the angelic messengers and fled to protect their son. Parents who certainly had to trust in God for provision for a trip to Egypt. Was this the reason for the gold, frankincense and myrrh? Did the Magi arrive just in time for them to leave for Egypt?
- He experienced work in the carpenter’s shop.
- He experienced relocation – uprooting of family when they fled to Egypt and when they returned – assuming he had boyhood friends, He experienced the sadness of leaving them behind.
- Knowing that He was without sin would He have experienced teasing as a teen for not participating in activities that others may have been doing?
If He was fully man and His heavenly Father was able to provide for Him, meet His needs and keep Him from sin, is our heavenly Father able to do the same for His children who trust in Him today? Can He keep us faithful? Comfort us when wronged? Encourage us during times of disappointment? Provide those just-in-time resources?
