The Efficient Sympathy of Christ
Hebrews 2:18
For in that he himself has suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted.


I. THE SUFFERING.

1. It was personal suffering.

2. It was positive and most painful suffering.

3. In all its reality, variety, and extent, it bore the special character of temptation.

II. THE SUCCOUR.

1. This succour is accompanied with the truest sympathy. "If ever I fall into a surgeon's hands with broken bones," is a remark which has become almost proverbial, "give me one whose own bones have been broken." How can those who have never known what illness is enter with the tenderness of a perfect fellowship into the chambers of the sick? or how can those who have never known a want understand with a matter-of-fact experience the anxieties of the poor and needy?

2. This succour is imparted with the utmost promptitude.

3. This succour is conveyed in the form of actual deliverance or effective relief, or at least adequate support.

(E. A. Thomson.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

WEB: For in that he himself has suffered being tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.




Sympathy the Fruit of Suffering
Top of Page
Top of Page