Bible Passage: “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet He did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15-16)
Scripture Reading: Philippians 2:1-8
I got to travel to Israel in 2017.
It was the trip of a lifetime, and I am so thankful for that opportunity. There were many amazing parts of that trip, but one of the moments that impacted me the most was sailing on the Sea of Galilee.
I remember looking at the shore and imagining Jesus walking along it. His feet would have been tired and dirty from His travels. He would have had to move at the very human pace of about three miles per hour. He would have had to deal with the lack of faith of the people He was trying to teach.
I was struck anew at His familiarity with our human condition.
So often, our suffering can feel compounded by the fact that we think we are all alone.
No one else’s marriage is struggling like ours is.
No one else’s bank account looks as meager as ours.
No one else wrestles with lust or greed or pride like we do.
But we need to realize that we are not alone in our struggles.
The Bible teaches that Jesus was tempted in every way just like we are. He knows exactly what we are going through.
Have you ever felt the exhaustion of work and toil? Jesus understands that.
Have you ever felt that you were treated unfairly? Jesus understands that.
Have you ever been betrayed or abandoned? Jesus understands that.
Have you ever experienced physical pain? Jesus understands that.
In fact, He understands that at a level deeper than we will ever know.
So, when you turn to Him and look in His eyes, you will see that He gets you.
And you can trust that He knows exactly what you need to endure whatever suffering you are going through.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for being called “Immanuel,” which means “God with us.” Thank You for being willing to get Your feet dirty walking amongst us. Thank You for being willing to suffer. You did nothing to deserve that suffering, but You embraced it because that was how You were going to rescue us from the clutches of the evil one. Thank You for understanding everything that I am going through today. I need Your Presence and Your help and Your peace. Amen.
Reflection: How does that make you feel that Jesus personally understands everything you are going through? What do you need to bring to Him right now?
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