Therefore, he had to be made like his brothers in every respect ... for because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
- Hebrews 2:17-18
There are days where I throw myself a pity party and tell myself that no one understands the things I go through. But how wrong am I to harbor these sinful thoughts.
Jesus, who is perfect and mighty, humbled himself and came to walk the earth as a human. He was like us -- he had a physical body, ten fingers, ten toes. Even though he lived a sinless life, he knows what suffering and pain feels like. He knows that we are tempted daily by the devil. He fully and completely understands.
Jesus was made like us in "every respect." How comforting is that to my soul! He calls us his "brothers" (and sisters). He identifies with us. Not only do I serve a Savior that is ruling the universe by one word (Heb 1:3), I also serve the same Savior that understands our weaknesses, who understands what it is like to live on this sinful earth.
He is high and lifted up, but he is also near and personal. What a gift.
Lord, what a gift it is to serve a Savior that knows and understands temptation and suffering. Jesus can identify with me, so much so that He calls me his sister. I thank you for sending Jesus to earth, for it is by him being humbled and suffering on the cross that I get to experience freedom from sin and Your daily grace. Forgive my selfish thoughts, thinking that no one understands. Remind me to cast my burdens at Your feet. You know me better than I know myself....
