ELLEN G. WHITE
“In that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted” (Hebrews 2:18, KJV).
“In that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted” (Hebrews 2:18, KJV).
hrist alone had experience in all the sorrows and temptations that befall human beings. Never another of woman born was so fiercely beset by temptation; never another bore so heavy a burden of the world’s sin and pain.
“Never was there another whose sympathies were so broad or so tender. A sharer in all the experiences of humanity, He could feel not only for, but with, every burdened and tempted and struggling one.
“What He taught, He lived. ‘I have given you an example,’ He said to His disciples; ‘that ye should do as I have done.’
‘I have kept My Father’s commandments’ (John 13:15; 15:10). Thus in His life, Christ’s words had perfect illustration and support. And more than this; what He taught, He was.
“His words were the expression, not only of His own life experience, but of His own character. Not only did He teach the truth, but He was the truth. It was this that gave His teaching, power.
“Christ was a faithful reprover. Never lived there another who so hated evil; never another whose denunciation of it was so fearless. To all things untrue and base His very presence was a rebuke. In the light of His purity, men saw themselves unclean, their life’s aims mean and false. Yet He drew them. He who had created man, understood the value of humanity. Evil He denounced as the foe of those whom He was seeking to bless and to save. In every human being, however fallen, He beheld a son of God, one who might be restored to the privilege of his divine relationship.
‘God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved’ (John 3:17). Looking upon men in their suffering and degradation, Christ perceived ground for hope where appeared only despair and ruin. Wherever there existed a sense of need, there He saw opportunity for uplifting. Souls tempted, defeated, feeling themselves lost, ready to perish, He met, not with denunciation, but with blessing.”
