Suppose I harnessed myself to the back of a powerful diesel tractor with the goal of standing firm while the tractor tried to pull me over. I would feel a part of the tractor’s power for a nanosecond before I went down. But suppose one could stand their ground against the power of the tractor. That person would be the only one who felt the full power of the tractor. That’s what Jesus did and felt by taking on the full-throttled power of sin.

When I am tempted, I am either delivered by God’s power, or I give in. I have never experienced the full power of temptation. But Jesus was tempted in every way, all the way—yet did not sin.

Hebrews 4:14-16
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.  For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been as we are, yet without sin.  Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Jesus understands sin’s power. When I am tempted, he invites me to approach God’s throne of grace with confidence. He is a priest who sympathizes with my weaknesses. Jesus experienced the full-throttled power of sin and did not give in. He promises me mercy and grace in my time of need.

So don’t let temptation pull you down. Jesus, our high priest, is ready and willing to come to your aid. He is ready to give you all the help you need to resist and obey. He invites us to approach him with confidence and receive his mercy and grace!

Lord Jesus,
Thank you for taking on temptation at its fullest power. Thank you for inviting me to your throne of mercy and grace. Thank you for the promise of giving me all I need to do what you call me to do.
In your name, I pray. Amen.