One of the most amazing things about Jesus is that He describes Himself as the Son of Man and the Son of God (Luke 22:69-70). He is God and has always existed, yet He became a man and faced the same trials we do (Heb. 4:15, Phil. 2:7, John 1:14). Considering some of the emotional challenges Jesus endured reminds me that He cares when I suffer in similar ways.
Jesus was betrayed by a close friend. “Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, Who ate my bread, Has lifted up his heel against me” (Ps. 41:9). It must have been so painful to be betrayed by one of His apostles (Matt. 26:48-49). If I feel betrayed I know my Savior cares.
Jesus lost a beloved friend in death. When Jesus saw the scene surrounding Lazarus’ death He wept (John 11:33-36). My suffering in tears at the grave of a loved one puts me in good company.
Jesus was let down by His family. It must have been difficult that His own brothers did not believe (John 7:1-5). We love our families but certainly they can disappoint us at times.
Jesus suffered humiliation and injustice. Many laws had to be broken to condemn an innocent man to the death of the cross. Furthermore execution by the cross was a humiliating process. Therefore the Scriptures say, “In His humiliation His justice was taken away” (Acts 8:32-33). When you feel wronged or humiliated the Savior understands.
Knowing that our Lord faced the same time of experiences does not take away the pain, but it does help us to see Who we should lean on in trials (Heb. 2:17-18, 4:14-15, 5:2, 7:25, 13:5-8). The church is the household (family) of God and the body of Christ (1 Tim. 3:15; Col. 1:24). If we are suffering we know we do not have to suffer alone.
-Ross Haffner