Christ like us

having the same characteristics

Let us continue exploring the mystery of what it means to have a God who is like us. I believe one of our greatest challenges is that we often want to form God in our image. We want God to adopt our values and to become like us, so we can continue to do whatever we want. That’s not what Jesus did. Jesus became like us, not because we fashioned a god in our own image, but because of His great love for us - He abandoned His divinity, embraced humanity, demonstrated unbelievable wisdom, compassion and power, while He reconciled us back to God. Hebrews 2:14-17 gives us great hope. It says, “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 4:14-16 says, “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 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. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” When Jesus the eternal word became flesh, He jumped out of His “godness” and fully embraced humanity. He experienced physical pain, emotional turmoil, spiritual disconnection from the Father and the challenge to submit His will to the Father. Jesus knows how to empathize and to lead us out of our places of difficulty and suffering. He does not always deliver us from the path we are on, because some of these paths are meant to test our faith. Whether we are being tested or tormented, Jesus is like us and He knows how to help us in these places. We serve a gracious and a compassionate high priest, who role models what a relationship with God can look like. In perfect submission and empowered by the Holy Spirit, Jesus shows us what is possible. That should excite you beloved, and strengthen your faith.

QUESTIONS

1. Hebrews 4 says that we should hold firmly to the faith we profess. Does knowing that Jesus is like us in His human experience help you hold firmly to the faith that God has given you? If so, how?

2. List 2-3 ways that give you courage and comfort when you embrace the fact that Jesus is like us.

3. Which of your family members or friends need to hear that Jesus is like them, therefore He can empathize and help them overcome the temptations they face? When will you share that with them?

ACTIONS STEPS

Describe to Jesus a difficult situation that you are currently facing. When you are done, ask Jesus how He can empathize with you. Listen to what He has to say and then pray into what Jesus shows you. Make a decision during wavering moments to rehearse what Jesus said and to be encouraged because He is like us.