Monday, May 5, 2008

A Real Human

…so Jesus, wearied
as he was from

his journey, was
sitting beside the well.

John 4:6

In Sunday school I learned about the strength, power, and fortitude of Jesus. Amazing stories were told of his conquering Satan’s temptations, healing paralytics, freeing people from the grasp of demons. Because Jesus was God’s Son he was able to accomplish the spectacular.

Many years later I understood the importance of claiming Jesus’ humanness. As a child the power of Jesus drew me in. It was the human nature of Jesus that drew me as an adult. Knowing that Jesus lived life in the flesh, with all the stuff that goes with it, was what made him absolutely real.

There is comfort in the truth that whatever we experience in life Jesus lived as well—at least on the emotional level. Whatever we have suffered emotionally as a result of loss, illness, rejection, fear Jesus, because he was fully human, suffered. New Testament theologians believe that Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus probably died while Jesus was still at home—Jesus even knew what it means to lose a parent.

The pressures of a hectic schedule weren’t foreign to Jesus. People constantly demanding something was almost a daily occurrence. Jesus was surrounded by people who didn’t understand him. Feel alone in a crowd—Jesus knew that emotion as well.

The deity of Jesus is absolutely important to our life as a Jesus follower. But knowing that he was wearied from walking and took time to sit down should be a solace to us in our day to day.

Jesus, thank you for your willingness to be human.
Because you lived life in the real world
I know that it is possible to not
be overwhelmed but to live
as a reflection of you.

Amen.

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