In our previous meditations we have considered the amazing thought that the Son of God has become Man in order to suffer. We first considered His suffering death (Heb. 2:9), and secondly, His being made perfect through sufferings to be the Leader of our salvation, bringing many sons to glory (v. 10).

In verse 18 of chapter 2, we may meditate upon another type of suffering that He endured. In verse 17, we are told it was necessary for Him in all things to be made like His brethren—apart from sin (4:15). What grace on His part, that He might experience life in this world as you and I know it that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest for us now in the presence of God. No one may seem to understand what you are going through, but He does, and is interceding for you even now.

The world tempted in verse 18 might be translated “tested,” and includes the thought both of temptation as a suggestion enticing us into sin, as well as of a trial or testing that we may endure. It brings before us the perfection of the Lord Jesus. When He was tempted by the devil in the wilderness, the very suggestion to go outside His Father’s will caused Him suffering. Unlike Him, we have a sinful nature that responds to suggestions to go outside God’s will. But our blessed Lord, who suffered being tempted, is able to help us in the hour of temptation and cause us to triumph in His strength and by using the Word of God.

We may also consider the Lord Jesus in all the trials He endured in the way. He experienced these trials to glorify God in them, and also so that He would be able to help us in the hour of our trial.

In verse 10, He has suffered in order to be our Leader. In verse 18, He has suffered in order that He may come to our side to help us through our sufferings. All praise to His name!