Good morning. It is the goal of every Christian to grow and mature in our faith, to become increasingly more like Jesus. This desire, to be like Jesus, is at the heart of our transformation process as it is described in Romans 12:1-2. For Christians to aspire to be more like our Savior, more like Jesus, makes perfect sense as an objective of faith.
But what about this truth, that in the fullness of His love for us, Jesus was determined to be more like us. Not that Jesus shared the guilt of sin, but He did suffer through every temptation, felt every kind of pain, experienced what it means to worry, and to grieve.
God determined that the only way to show us that He fully “gets” us, that He completely understands us and the struggles we have with maintaining righteousness, He would need to fully become one with us. We read of this in Hebrews 2:17-18 For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
For our thought today, please consider also God’s promise to us in 1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
God knows our limits, because God, through the person of Jesus Christ, experienced all that we go through. God knows how much we can take, and where the line is drawn beyond which we cannot endure.
Jesus knows you. He was angry when He purged the temple. He was weakened and hungry in the wilderness. He grieved and wept in public. He was tender enough that the little ones flocked to Him. He was bold enough for the most powerful to fear Him. He was radical enough to be kicked out of town. He was devoted enough to make caring for His mother one of His last breaths before He died on the cross. He was tempted and knew the stench of Satan. And yes, Jesus was fearful enough when facing separation from the Father to sweat blood. Jesus knows you. Whatever you may be facing today, or tomorrow, or any day thereafter, He knows how you feel. He’s been there, and you can fully trust in His wisdom and in His love.
Vern
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