LIVING WORD DEVOTIONAL
By Pastor Mensa Otabil

Friday 28th November 2025

JESUS IDENTIFIES WITH US

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 4

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathise with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15

The Lord Jesus is a Shepherd who lived the life of His sheep. He lived on earth and experienced the limitations and challenges of human life. He was tempted with the same temptations as any young man his age, yet he was without sin. After His baptism and forty days of fasting, He had to deal with the temptations of the flesh, ambition, and self-glory. That is why we can trust Him to help us overcome our temptations.

Jesus knows our feelings and appetites.

The Lord Jesus lived on earth with us and experienced what we experience. He did not live His earthly life in a heavenly cocoon that insulated Him from the realities of earthly life. Our Lord was not exempt from human temptations.

If anything, His temptations were more severe than ours because the tempter had a greater commitment to destroying Him. He lived in a human body for thirty-three years and as a young male, all his male instincts were at work, yet He mastered His impulses and did not allow them to rule His life. He can help us do the same.

Jesus knows how people are.

Our Lord dealt with all sorts of people – the good, the bad and the ugly. He knew what it was to deal with human beings. He had both friends and enemies. Like us, Jesus may have felt the desire to exact revenge against His enemies. Many times, His enemies set traps for Him and made His life difficult but even whilst they were crucifying Him, He forgave them. He can help us to do the same.

Jesus knows the pressures of life.

Our Lord was under pressure to take shortcuts to success. His mother put Him under pressure to perform, as did His brothers and townsfolk.

The Lord knew what His life’s goal was but also knew the price He had to pay to accomplish what He came to the earth for. In the garden of Gethsemane, He came under intense pressure to compromise on the process to His destiny, yet He prayed to the Father, ‘not my will but yours be done’. He can help us do the same.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for sharing in my experiences so that I can share in your strength. In Jesus’ name, Amen.