"Jesus Knows"
Jan. 29, 2020
Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death He might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. For surely it is not angels that He helps, but He helps the offspring of Abraham. Therefore He had to be made like His brothers in every respect, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because He Himself has suffered when tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.
When facing a difficult or traumatic event in your life, does it help to know that others have gone through something similar? There can be comfort in knowing we're not alone in what we're facing—that others have weathered a similar tragedy and have come out okay on the other side. This seems especially true when going through something like a serious illness or the loss of a loved one.
Strong bonds can be forged between those who have experienced similar life events like cancer, the destruction of their homes and property to fire or storm, or the loss of a child or grandchild. At such times, there may seem to be no hope, no light whatsoever at the end of the tunnel. But knowing we're not alone in such times—that we can lean on someone who understands our anguish and overwhelming grief—can be strong medicine to our ailing spirit.
This certainly is what the writer of the book of Hebrews is getting at in our passage above. The Heavenly Father in His wise and generous provision appointed His very own Son to become like us (see John 1:14), to be "like his brothers in every respect," to experience what we experience, to know fully—at our level—the anguish, temptation, grief, and suffering that's part of being human, in this present age.
Jesus understood our anguish when everywhere He went He saw people lost and confused, desperately in need of the healing He had to offer (see Matthew 9:35-38). He experienced our temptations full bore when He faced the devil head-on in the wilderness (see Matthew 4:1-11). He felt our grief when He wept over the death of His friend, Lazarus (see John 11:1-44). And more than we can ever know, Jesus took on our suffering when He went to the cross with our sins (see John 19:1-37).
Yes, Jesus knows. He knows when we're at our wits' end, and there seems to be no hope. It is then He is there with an outstretched hand, reaching into our lives, telling us, "Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30).
No matter where you're at in your life, no matter how far down you might feel, Jesus understands your situation. He knows. Please, take a moment, and go to Him in prayer.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, revive me with Your love and the comfort of Your presence. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
- Has someone ever been there for you in a big way when you were going through something tragic? How did they help or support you?
- How does knowing that Jesus faced the sorts of things we face empower your faith?
- Do you try to make yourself available to others when things are tough for them? How do you let them know they can count on you?
This Daily Devotion was written by Paul Schreiber. Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
Has someone ever been there for you in a big way when you were going through something tragic? How did they help or support you?
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