Strengthened in our trials

This past Sunday, I gave a message at church on 2 Corinthians 1.

In that passage, I pointed out that God does sometimes give us more than we can bear…in our own strength. And he does that so that we learn to rely on him. As we do so, he imparts courage and strength to us.

We see that here in Jesus’ life. He told his disciples, “Pray that you may not fall into temptation.” (Luke 22:40)

I mentioned in my message that the words for “trial” and “temptation” are basically the same word in Greek.

And we see in the very next verse Jesus praying that he himself would not have to be tested.

But then he said, “nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” (42)

Just as God allows trials into our lives, he allowed Jesus to go through the greatest trial a human ever endured: the cross.

But as God did with Paul, God did with his Son. He imparted courage and strength to Jesus so that he could endure the cross. (43)

That’s why the writer of Hebrews could say,

During [Jesus’] earthly life, he offered prayers and appeals with loud cries and tears to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence.

Although he was the Son, he learned obedience from what he suffered.

After he was perfected, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, and he was declared by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek. (Hebrews 5:7-10)

It is also why the writer could also say,

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to our confession.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin.

Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16)

So when we are going through trials, let us look to Jesus. He understands what it means to go through trials that are too much for us. And as our high priest, he will pray for us, strengthen us, and encourage us.