Time Out! Devotions

And it was right and proper that God, who made everything for His own glory, should allow Jesus to suffer, for in doing this He was bringing vast multitudes of God’s people to heaven; for His suffering made Jesus a perfect Leader, one fit to bring them into their salvation. We who have been made holy by Jesus, now have the same Father He has. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call us His brothers.

Hebrews 2:10-11

Jesus’ suffering made Him a perfect Leader (Hebrews 5:8-9), and our suffering can make us better servants of God. People who have known pain are able to reach out with sensitivity to their hurting brothers and sisters. When you suffer, ask how your experience can help you serve Christ better.

And it was necessary for Jesus to be like us, His brothers, so that He could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God, a Priest who would be both merciful to us and faithful to God in dealing with the sins of the people. For since He has now been through suffering and temptation, He knows what it is like when we suffer and are tempted, and He is wonderfully able to help us.

Hebrews 2:17-18

Knowing that Christ suffered and was tempted helps us go through our own suffering. We know He understands our struggles and we trust Him to help us survive suffering and overcome temptation. When you face trials, go to Jesus. He understands your needs and is able to help (Hebrews 4:14-16).

(from the Life Application Bible – Living Bible edition)