It is hard to understand that during Jesus' time here on earth He was fully God and fully man. In Matthew 14 we see a glimpse of His human side. He has just been told that John the Baptist was beheaded by Herod. We are told in verse 13 that after He heard this news, He departed by boat to a deserted place - by Himself. He withdrew so He could be with the Father and perhaps deal with His sorrow over John. John had a vital part in preparing the way for Jesus' ministry. Not only that, they were relatives (Luke 1:36). I could even imagine as children they played together.
There is another time in this same chapter Jesus departs by Himself to pray (v.23). Following this, the disciples are in a boat being tossed by the sea and the disciples were afraid. He comes to them on the water and tells them not to be afraid. I can certainly believe He came to them because He knew their distress and had compassion for them.
We must clearly understand that Jesus is compassionate. We see His compassion demonstrated many times in the scriptures. This should bring great comfort and peace as we suffer because of sorrow, whether over sin or the loss of someone or some thing. Hebrews 4:15 tells us "For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin."
One of the devil's ways to tempt us is to try to make us believe that Jesus doesn't care about us. Let's never think that Jesus doesn't understand or care about our struggles because of His deity.
Heavenly Father, it brings us great comfort to know you are compassionate and care very much about our struggles and sorrows. Thank you for giving Jesus as our High Priest to intercede for us because He understands and sympathizes with our weaknesses.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment