Good morning. It is difficult sometimes to imagine that God can completely understand what it is like to be one of us. Yes, I know, God sent the Son, Jesus, to become a part of humanity to remove such doubts and concerns. But seriously, can Jesus relate to us in this day and age? Please consider these references to our Lord’s life:
Jesus went through temptation of every kind: For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:14
Jesus needed to get away: And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.” Mark 1:35-37
Jesus found Himself too busy to take time for lunch: The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. Mark 6:30-31
Jesus’ closest friends let Him down when He needed them most: And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? Matthew 26:40
Jesus knew poverty: “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head” Matthew 8:20
Jesus knew weariness: “Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well” John 4:6
Jesus knew heart ache: O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! Luke 13:34
Jesus knew profound sorrow: Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Matthew 26:38
Jesus knew what it was like to be mocked and slandered: Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they mockingly paid homage to him. Mark 15:19
Jesus knew rejection: “My God, My God, why have you abandoned me?” Matthew 27:46
Jesus died: It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last. Luke 23:44-46
When God sent His Son, Jesus, to become a part of mankind, the purpose was to perfectly execute the Father’s eternal plan for our salvation. It was God’s will that Jesus would be one of us in every meaningful way with the exception of sin.
When next you fail, or need help, or need a listening ear that won’t express judgement, or yearn for love, or long for hope, or simply need a friend…He is here for you, always. Jesus can relate.
Vern