How the Lord Understands What We are Going Through (Hebrews 1-6)

A Video Supplement for

Come, Follow Me Lesson 43:

Jesus Christ, “the Author of Eternal Salvation”

Transcript

The author of Hebrews shares some powerful perspectives about what Christ did for us, what he suffered for us, and in doing so helps point out that because of this, he is able to perfectly relate to and understand from the inside out, everything we experience. In developing this theme, we will look first at Hebrews 2 beginning with verses 10-11 and 16-18:

10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,

16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.

17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

Experiencing temptation and overcoming it mean that he knows first hand how to help us overcome our temptations as he did his. Although we don’t usually think about suffering as a path to perfection, it seems to have allowed the savior to gain first hand knowledge of aspects of existence that he would not have otherwise been exposed to such as experiencing, completely undeserved, the consequences of the totality of all human sins. Continuing with Hebrews 4, verse 12 and on,

12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

The author of Hebrews is here arguing that Jesus is enabled to have profound compassion on us because he experienced what it was like to suffer the same things that we do. Alma 7, verses 11-13 makes this point just a touch more plainly

11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.

13 Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.

Returning to Hebrews 4 verse 16, what is the consequent of the Savior’s ability to perfectly relate to our circumstances and struggling?

16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

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