Ladders to Heaven

Text: Hebrews 2:18 (NIV)
Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Introduction
Beloved, today I bring you a word of hope, a word of comfort, and a word of strength from the letter to the Hebrews. It reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles. We have a Savior who not only reigns in glory, but one who walked this earth and felt every pain, faced every trial, and endured every temptation. And because of that, He understands you.

1. Jesus Was Fully Human — He Knows Our Struggles
The verse says, “He himself suffered when he was tempted…”

Let’s pause there.

Jesus was not a distant deity. He became one of us. He felt hunger (Matthew 4:2), thirst (John 19:28), sorrow (John 11:35), and even abandonment (Mark 15:34). And yes, He was tempted. The devil himself came to Him in the wilderness. He tempted Jesus with power, food, and pride (Luke 4:1–13). But Jesus stood firm.

He did not float through life untouched by hardship. He suffered, just like us — even more than most of us ever will. Why is this important? Because it means He understands temptation — not from theory, but from experience.

2. He Suffered So That He Can Help Us
Now let’s look at the second part: “…he is able to help those who are being tempted.”

This is the heart of our message. Jesus doesn’t just observe us from a distance. He comes to our aid. The Greek word used for “help” implies running to the cry of those in danger — like a parent who hears their child crying out.

What a beautiful image of Christ! When you cry in weakness…
When you feel overwhelmed…
When temptation is banging on the door of your soul…

Jesus runs to help you — not with condemnation, but with compassion.

Hebrews 4:15–16 echoes this truth:
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses.
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and grace in our time of need.

3. You Are Not Alone in Temptation
Dear saints, temptation is not sin. Jesus was tempted — but He did not sin.
So when you face temptation, don’t feel ashamed. Instead, call on the One who overcame it. He is your strength.

1 Corinthians 10:13 says,
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful. He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.

Jesus stands with you in the fire. He doesn’t just rescue you after the temptation. He is with you during it. That’s the difference between religion and relationship — we don’t earn His help; we receive it because He already suffered for us.

4. How Should We Respond?
Let me close by asking: How should we respond to such a Savior?

Call on Him in your hour of weakness. Whisper His name. Say “Jesus, help me!”

Trust in His mercy. He understands. He will not shame you. He will lift you.

Encourage others. Share with those around you that they don’t have to suffer in silence. There is a Helper, and His name is Jesus.

And finally, walk in victory. Because He lives in you, you are not a slave to sin. You have power — resurrection power.

Conclusion
So when you feel the weight of temptation, remember Hebrews 2:18.
He suffered. He understands. He helps.

Let the enemy hear this today — I am not alone, and I am not defeated. My Savior is with me. And He is stronger than my struggle.

May God bless you and strengthen you.