“For 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” (Heb. 4:15, ESV). Jesus sympathizes with you. The Son of God did not just hold on to all his divine powers when he became a human. He emptied himself so that he could experience the weakness (compared to God) of being human. He did this so that he could sympathize with you! Isn’t it amazing that the Son of God wanted to identify with you so much that he became like you and suffered?
So now, in our union with Christ, we are connected to Jesus who knows what it is like to be tempted as we are. This includes the temptation to fear, unbelief or despair when our life is filled with pain. Jesus knows the temptations of our pain and he cares. When we focus on the fact that Jesus is sympathizing with us, the pain loses some of its strength. And if we will focus on the future hope he has promised, which is an “anchor for the soul” (Heb. 6:19), then we will find more strength in the midst of our troubles.
Remember:
And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.
Romans 8:17 (NLT)
If you are suffering now, imagine Jesus standing in front of you saying, “I sympathize with you and you will be rewarded.” How much does this help? try to do this at least once a day.
