Jesus Knows How You Feel
Scripture Reading — Hebrews 4:14-16
[He] has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.
Hebrews 4:15
Someone I know once said that it would be so much easier to believe if only we could actually see Jesus.
He said, “If I could have been one of the shepherds, or if I could have seen Jesus do some of his miracles, everything I read or hear about the Savior would mean so much more to me.”
It’s true that Jesus is no longer with us in person. Today we can see him only through eyes of faith, and we can hear him only as we listen to his Word. But Jesus is still with us through his Holy Spirit, and he is connecting with us at the deep emotional level of a good friend.
“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.” Max Lucado, in his book Next Door Savior, says, “Whatever you are facing, Jesus knows how you feel.”
Remember that this Christmas season and throughout the new year.
Your Savior is no longer here in person. But that’s not a bad thing. It’s good. For Christ has entered the presence of his Father to pray on our behalf (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25). And by his Spirit, he is still connecting personally with each one of us, every moment, every step of the way.
Lord Jesus, thank you that you know how we feel every step of our personal journey. Thank you for praying for us. We praise your name. Amen.
About the author — Arthur J. Schoonveld
Rev. Art Schoonveld is a retired minister in the Christian Reformed Church. Before retiring in 2001, he served churches in California, Illinois, and Michigan. Since his retirement he has worked part-time for the denomination and has served as an interim pastor. Art and his wife, Anita, have four children and nine grandchildren.
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