Listen

Of course, he isn’t trying to help angels, but rather he’s helping Abraham’s descendants. Therefore, he had to be made like his brothers and sisters in every way. This was so that he could become a merciful and faithful high priest in things relating to God, in order to wipe away the sins of the people. He’s able to help those who are being tempted, since he himself experienced suffering when he was tempted.

Hebrews 2:16-18

Think

Why is it somehow easier for us to think of Jesus walking on water and healing sick people than it is to imagine him being hungry and needing to use the bathroom? Most of us seem a little uncomfortable with the idea that Jesus had morning breath and body odor. What if he experienced doubt or even self-criticism?

The writer of Hebrews boldly reminds us that Jesus was “fully human in every way.” Moreover, this bit of scripture emphasizes that this was necessary. Jesus “had to” be made human. So why does this make us uneasy? I wonder if it’s because seeing Jesus as more divine than human allows us to keep him at a safe distance.

What would happen if you let Jesus be fully human? How would it change your relationship with God? How would it change you?

Chad Senuta

Pray

Jesus, thank you for being human. I am glad you know every messy part of my life, because you experienced it first-hand. Help me with my struggles and temptations and help me follow you. Amen.

Go

Though I'm prone to leave Your side / You draw me like the tide

You are constant in my wandering / You are brighter than the dark in me / You are the love that sets me free

You are faithful / You are faithful / You are

from “You are” by David Crowder (2014)