October 21

Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and the news about Him spread throughout the surrounding region. — Luke 4:14 BSB

One reason Jesus was tempted was so He could know, by experience, what temptation means for His followers.

In one of the art galleries in Europe, there’s a painting of an angel standing by the empty cross after Jesus has been buried, gently touching the sharp points of the crown of thorns. The artist’s idea is that the angel, having watched Christ’s suffering with wonder, is trying to understand what pain feels like, because angels have never experienced suffering.

Jesus had to suffer Himself in order to fully understand our sufferings. He was tempted in every way so that He could sympathize with us when we face temptation.

Nothing brings us more comfort in our own struggles than knowing that Christ has already felt what we are feeling and fully understands our pain.