When disaster strikes a friend's life, it's natural to try to offer comfort. But have you ever felt like you said something wrong? Sometimes, expressions of comfort create even more pain. For example, an "I understand you" may sound empty if you haven't really experienced a comparable situation.

However, most of us yearn to feel understood, and that helps us get to know others who have faced similar circumstances (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). Today's passage assures us that Christ truly understands us, as He experienced struggles like ours.

In today's passage, the author of Hebrews refers to Jesus Christ as our High Priest. The priest, the bridge of the Jewish people to God, offered sacrifices for the sins of the nation. Christ not only took on this role, but He also became the sacrifice when He died on the cross. In doing so and dying in our place, the Lord endured great suffering for us. He is now seated at the right hand of the Heavenly Father and intercedes on our behalf. He also understands our pain and weakness. Although He was fully God, He was also fully human and faced the same temptations, needs, and hurts that we experience.

Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Son Jesus, who is our High Priest and understands our weaknesses. Thank you, Lord, that we can approach the throne of grace with all confidence to receive mercy and find grace that will help us when we need it most. I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

1.    Hebrews 4:14-15 (NLT).

Today's Encounter was written by: Rosina N.