Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted. Hebrews 2:17-18
It struck my heart so deeply. This person who was about to have to give up everything they love because their hips were damaged to the point of having to have a double hip replacement. It struck me so hard that I woke up the next morning with my hips in pain.
Sometimes I literally feel people’s pain in my body. It’s a peculiar symptom of my fibromyalgia, and I notice it happens when I feel strong empathy for someone. I know what it’s like to have to give up things that you love because of some health issue. It’s heartbreaking, yet I know that this likeness has made me even more merciful and apt to aid those who find themselves having to find a new path that they never would have chosen for themselves.
Jesus can empathize with us. Because He came to earth to be just like his brethren, He understands every temptation, every suffering we endure, and more. He’s not just some spiritual being telling us to follow God. He willingly took it upon Himself to be just like us. He overcame every unimaginable evil and that makes Him our faithful and merciful high priest. He felt our pain as a man and is able to come to our aid because He experienced a life that lead to a purposeful death so that He could make propitiation to absolve us from our sins.
All of us desire to connect with someone who understands our pain. Jesus is it and more.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for a Savior who came to earth to suffer as a man so that He could become my faithful and merciful High Priest. As I read and reflect on His life, I connect with Jesus because I learn how He understands my sufferings and temptations. It is Him that I look to for comfort in the midst of my pain. Amen.
Truth in love,
Heather
Truth in Love 