Jesus Knows What It's Like

While praying the Stations of the Cross, Monica Portogallo realized how much Jesus understands what we go through.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin. So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help. (Hebrews 4:15-16)

Sometimes, I find it hard to believe that Jesus knows firsthand what I’m going through. After all, He was a male and lived long before our complicated modern era.

null

Jesus Knows the Heart of Our Struggles

As I was praying the Stations of the Cross recently, I realized that Jesus experienced the heart of so many of our struggles in His Passion, although the details may have been a little different.

Jesus knows what it is like to be betrayed by someone you trusted.

Jesus knows what it is like to have people give you the run-around in life-or-death situations.

Jesus knows what it is like to have those you barely know publicly tell lies about you.

Jesus knows what it is like to be mocked by people who don’t understand what you are doing.

Jesus knows what it is like to be expected to do difficult tasks with very little sleep.

Jesus knows what it is like to be physically violated by those who are stronger than you.

Jesus knows what it is like to be rejected by those you have loved and cared for.

Jesus knows what it is like to be abandoned.

Jesus knows what it is like to experience excruciating pain to give life to your children.

Jesus Chose to Suffer for Our Sake

The most incredible part, though, is that Christ freely chose to know firsthand what our suffering is like. The God of the Universe certainly could have avoided taking on our pain, but instead embraced His cross. Jesus suffered His Passion alone, but we never have to go through our own suffering alone. Although the details might look a little different, Jesus knows from experience what it is like and can walk with us.

null