Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – June 4, 2019
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14
When I was a girl, I went to church every Sunday with my parents and often heard that Jesus died on the cross for my sins. I also heard that Jesus is God. But somehow, I don’t ever remember hearing about Christ’s vulnerability or his humanity.
So, it makes sense I believed something like this: “Jesus is God and because He is God, nothing is difficult for Him, so it was easy for Him to die.” To be honest, it was difficult to relate to a God who couldn’t identify with my struggles. A perfect God was not very personal.
However, as I grew in my faith, I learned that dying on the cross was a horrible, excruciating death. I also learned that Christ was fully human and was tempted in every way that you and I are. (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus was vulnerable. So, He understands what it’s like to be me—and you!
“He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:3-5).
But, even though he knew He was called to die, in His moment of deepest anguish in the Garden of Gethsemane, He asked His Father to deliver Him.
I think this is amazing because He knew He was called to sacrifice His life. This was the plan that He had with the Father, but He still asked to be delivered.
“My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me. . .” (Matthew 26:39).
This is a powerful reminder that in our most difficult struggles, the Lord knows our pain. He knows when the anguish of the moment overrides the desire to take a particular path we know we should take. He understands when we wrestle with not wanting to do His will. He has been there.
This tender picture of a son reaching out to His Father for mercy during anguish is our example of how we can lean on the Lord during our own difficult times. We can always call out to Him. He understands.
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15-16).
Prayer
Lord, how I praise you that you understand what it’s like to suffer. You are acquainted with grief and sorrow. Thank you so much for coming to earth and bridging the gap. Thank you for showing me your love through your sacrifice and being obedient even unto death. Amen.
Application
Read the below Scriptures, then think about how Christ must have felt in each situation. Then, thank Him that He understands.
Related Reading
Matthew 4:11; Luke 23:46; John 4:6
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