To be Found in Human Likeness

Sometimes it is tempting to give up.  It's too big of a job.  In reality it is impossible in human terms...to become like Jesus.   With each passing year I only become more aware of my failings.

Looking out our patio windows this morning I contemplated these words, "Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared their humanity..." (Hebrews 2:14a)  The horizon began to lighten. An orange glow crept slowly up the eastern sky.   The gradual transformation from darkness into light whispered to my heart.

The sun suddenly seemed to be floating on the tree line, and it hits me.  Before Jesus called me to become like him, he became like me.  Tears slowly formed and overflowed.  He took on flesh.  He faced everything I face.  He understands.

"Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.  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."  Hebrews 4:14-15

As the morning sun begins to warm the earth his understanding warms my heart.  He understands everything I have encountered and will encounter in life.  He is the one who sympathizes with my weaknesses.  


Jesus left his home.  He left his heavenly home.  He understands what it means to move.

Jesus was tempted with power, pride, and prestige.  He knows right where I am at when I struggle with my motives.

Jesus walked this earth, and he was confronted by evil.  Demons drove pigs into the sea. Demons threw a child on the ground.  He is angered along with me at the injustices in this world and the horrific pain many children endure.

Jesus mingled with those suffering from disease and illness.  He walked beside them.  He had compassion on them.  He does not distance himself from me when my body hurts.  His own body was cruelly mistreated.  He knows pain.  He knows.

Jesus lost friends to death.  He wept.  He grieves along with me when I've lost family, church leaders, and long time friends.

Jesus was betrayed by one of his own disciples.  He feels the pain of one of our children rejecting us and walking away.

The knowing that he is Emmanuel...He is God with us.  It brings comfort.  It brings courage.  It brings strength.  Jesus knows because he has been there.  Immediately following telling us that Jesus understands, I find these words...

"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."  Hebrews 4:16

 And it is there at the throne of grace where I find mercy for my failures and help to continue on in striving to be more like my Savior.  One day he will complete His work in me, and I will stand before Him transformed into His likeness...and all because He was first willing to be made into human likeness.