“When
Jesus suffered for our sakes, He wasn't play-acting. He wasn't some remote God
pretending to be human, but untouched by human feelings and pain. No, He was
and is fully human.” Dr. Kari Vo
Sometimes, I lose sight of the fact that Jesus was truly human in every way. I think that, because He is also God, He wasn’t affected by things the way we are. But Scripture says He was!
Matthew 4:2 “Jesus was hungry.”
Matthew
21:12-13 “Jesus overturned the tables . . .” Jesus felt indignant!
Matthew
26:39 “My Father, if possible, take this cup of suffering from me!” Jesus felt desperation
and dread!
Matthew
26:60 “Many people came forward and told lies about [Jesus].” Jesus was falsely
accused!
Mark
7:18 “Don't you know what I am talking about by now?” Jesus felt frustration!
John
13:7 “You don’t understand what I am doing . . .” Jesus felt misunderstood!
Luke
10:21 “At that time Jesus was filled with joy . . .” Jesus felt happy!
John
11:5 “Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.” Jesus felt love!
John
11:35 “Jesus wept.” Jesus felt sad!
John
15:15 “I call you friends.” Jesus felt friendship!
John
19:28 “I am thirsty.”
The list could go on and on of instances where Jesus experienced very real human emotions, conflicts, and interpersonal relationships. Jesus isn’t a faraway being, detached and uncaring, ruling without compassion or understanding. He has “been there, done that!” Jesus can truly relate to us!
We can take comfort and strength from knowing Jesus DOES know what it’s like! We can also be encouraged by realizing, as Jesus did, that this earthly life is not the end. There is LIFE beyond the days we are given here—a joyous, loving, sin-free life with Jesus, if we believe and trust in Him.
Be encouraged!
©2024 Pamela D. Williams.
