Jesus is divine. He is not like me. Yet, as our LORD, He knows what we go through daily. He understands our struggles and how we can and do give in to our temptations. Jesus walked as we walk in this world. He was here walking this world and subject to all, if not more struggles than I, and yet, He did not give into those temptations, and even suffered more than I as He was killed.
“15For 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 (ESV)
Ever notice in the world those who speak for us in the world have rarely gone through that which we go through daily. Oh, sure, they may have had some challenging times, but their challenges pale in comparison to trying to figure out how to just survive. Heads of State, heads of companies, heads of a lot of things, have not walked in our shoes, yet we look to them for guidance in how to make things work. With Jesus, we find comfort in knowing that He did. He walked this world. He never had a true dwelling to make His way back to for comfort. He wandered deliberately giving to others. He lived in tents outside the city. He relied on friends and acquaintances for food and shelter. He found comfort in the company of friends. He was like me.
As Jesus was like me He was also not like me. He died for me. He took my sin and the consequences of that sin to the point of death. He received no such grace or mercy. He was flogged. He was cursed. He was beaten. He was humiliated. All in front of the people in public view of everyone. And no one came to His defense. No one eased His pain. No one provided for His discomfort. But He offers it to us. He gives what He Himself did not receive. Jesus knows what was missing and is sure to provide that to us.
“16Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” – Hebrews 4:16 (ESV)
I choose to follow and be led and receive from the one who knows. Not the one who talks a good game. Not the one in the position of authority who does not know the struggles I find every day. I choose the one who walked in my shoes. More importantly, I choose the one who walked as I do and yet did not find Himself giving in to the ways and sin that would come at Him. I choose the one who worked through the challenges (and more) than I. I choose the one who did not sin and received no grace or mercy and yet offers and give it to me. I choose to receive from the One who knows.
Who are you getting your guidance? Are you relying on those who are in positions of authority, yet did not struggle as you do? What if you relied on the one who walked as you do and received not as you and yet did not give in as you do, and has grace and mercy for you as one who knows your need?
