Jesus, Fully Human, Experiences Trials
OPENING PRAYER:
Lord, help me to listen to The Holy Spirit as I face trials and tribulations. Amen.
“Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” Hebrews 2:14-18 NIV
REFLECT:
Jesus left His high position in Heaven (Philippians 2:6-8) and took on human form. By doing so He was able to experience in the flesh every trial and temptation we must face. Reading through the Gospels we can see this demonstrated. We first see this in the temptations by Satan after 40 days in the wilderness (Matthew 4 and Luke 4) but the temptations and trials did not stop here. Luke 4:11 states, “When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came.” Throughout His time on this earth, He faced trials and tribulations the same as we do. We see a few examples of this in rejection in His hometown, rejection by His family and friends, sadness at the loss of a friend who died, intense agony as He faced the cross, beatings, and finally mocking and death on the cross. Because of all the trials and tribulations He faced in His humanness He can help us in our times suffering. (Hebrews 2:18).
APPLY:
I believe the best way to apply the knowledge that Jesus Christ in His humanness experienced all the trials and tribulations we will face is to follow the advice of Hebrews 12:1b-3.
“…. let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Hebrews 12:1b-3 NIV
CLOSING PRAYER:
Lord help me trust in you with all my heart; and to not lean on my own understanding (Proverbs 3:5) as I face life’s trials and tribulations. Amen.
WORSHIP: