Did you know
that not only was Christ’s death for you and I but His birth also for you? By using the term “for you” I mean there was a
redemptive purpose to His birth goes beyond just an event. It makes an exhilarating study to see how
Christ’s escape in and out of Egypt; His circumcision: His baptism; etc., all
were accomplished to meet us at some point of our need. All of the events in the story of Jesus had a
sin-bearing, pain-bearing, grief-bearing component to it.
The writer to
the Hebrews reminds us:
“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. 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
4:14–16, ESV)
There is a big
difference between being sympathetic and empathetic. Most of us can have a degree of empathy for
another person. We can say, “I think I
can relate to you. I think I
understand.” But sympathy is another
thing entirely. That prefix, ‘sym,’
means that it is more than a mental or emotional connection. You have walked where they walked. You have lived what they are living. That’s sympathy. Jesus is our sympathetic Savior.
The sin-bearing,
pain-bearing, grief-bearing Christ understands.
Christ cares. He relates.
Father so many times we speak with one another and we
really don’t understand the other person’s pain or struggle. You do.
We thank you for Jesus who can completely sympathize and we cast our
cares upon you because we KNOW that you care for us.
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