Scripture Reading: Hebrews 2:10-18
“Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is
able to help those who are being tested.”
-Hebrews 2:18 NRSV
Here, the author of Hebrews gives Jesus the name of “pioneer”
as the designation of he who pioneered others through their trials. This
designation, “pioneer,” as referring to Jesus appears only rarely. The author
of Hebrews is saying that, through suffering, Jesus was made fully able for the
task of being the “pioneer” for our salvation.
Why through suffering? The Old Testament has the Almighty
identifying with his people, as occurs here. Further, it is through suffering
that Jesus is able to sympathize with his people. He literally feels
with them. It is almost impossible for one to understand another person’s
sorrows and sufferings unless one has been through it too. A person who is fit
has no conception of the weariness of the person who is easily tired or the
pain of the person who is never free from pain. A person who is never sorrowed
cannot understand the pain at the heart of the person into whose life grief has
come.
Because Jesus sympathizes, he can really help. He has met our sorrows; he has faced our
temptations. As a result, he knows exactly what help we need—and he can give
it.
Thought for the day: As Jesus sympathizes with us in our trials, how might I
sympathize with the suffering of others today?
--Mark Galloway
No comments:
Post a Comment