A Most Comforting Truth

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are —yet he did not sin. – Hebrews 4:15 

To the ancient Greeks, the gods were distant and unmoved by human struggles. Their concept of divinity centered on apatheia – a state of being untouched by emotions or weakness. But our God is nothing like that. Jesus, fully God and fully man, stepped into our broken world and added humanity to His deity. He didn’t come as an untouchable, unfeeling Savior. He came to walk in our shoes. 

The word “empathize” in the verse above comes from the Greek word meaning “to suffer along with.” Jesus doesn’t just know about our struggles; He feels them. He intimately understands what it means to face the ups and downs of life in a fallen world. 

Jesus experienced weariness after long days of ministry. His stomach growled when He was hungry, and He felt the ache of thirst. He cried at the tomb of a friend and rejoiced at a wedding feast. Perhaps nothing captures His humanity more than His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. On the eve of His crucifixion, Jesus poured out His heart to His Father, wrestling with the weight of what lay ahead. He prayed with such intensity that His sweat was like drops of blood (Luke 22:44).

This truth brings me enormous comfort! Jesus isn’t a distant God who watches us from afar. He’s the Savior who gets it. He knows the sting of betrayal, the weariness of work, and the pain of loss. Whatever you’re facing today, you can come to Him with confidence, knowing He understands. 

Loved one, take heart in this! – the One who walked in our weakness also overcame it. Jesus faced trials and temptation just as we do – but He never sinned. Because of that, He is perfectly qualified to offer us grace and help in our time of need! 

Today’s Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for being a Savior who understands my struggles. Thank You for stepping into humanity and walking in the mess of this world. When life feels overwhelming, remind me that You are right there with me, ready to offer me grace and strength. Help me to trust You more each day. Amen.