Situation in Hebrews 2:1--3:19
As God's Son, Jesus' authority surpassed any prophet or angel. He is God, yet He became man.
Observation
Because Jesus became man, we know He understands our human frustrations.
Inspiration
Most families keep their family secrets a secret. Most don't talk about the swindling uncle or the streetwalking great-aunt. Such stories remain unmentioned at the family reunion and unrecorded in the family Bible.
That is, unless you are the God-man. Jesus displays the bad apples of his family tree in the very first chapter of the New Testament. You've barely dipped a toe into Matthew's Gospel when you realize Jesus hails from the Tilted-Halo Society. Rahab was a Jericho harlot. Grandpa Jacob was slippery enough to warrant an electric ankle bracelet. David had a personality as irregular as a Picasso painting--one day writing psalms, another day seducing his captain's wife. But did Jesus erase his name from the list? Not at all.
You'd think he would have. Entertainment Tonight could quarry a season of gossip out of these stories. Why did Jesus hang His family's dirty laundry on the neighborhood clothesline?
Because your family has some, too. An uncle with a prison record. The dad who never came home. The grandparent who ran away with the coworker. If your family tree has bruised fruit, then Jesus wants you to know, "I've been there."
The phrase "I've been there" is in the chorus of Christ's theme song. To the lonely, Jesus whispers, "I've been there." To the discouraged, Christ nods his head and sighs, "I've been there."
Questionable pedigree. Raised in an overlooked nation among oppressed people in an obscure village. Simple home. Single mom. An ordinary laborer with ordinary looks. Can you spot Him? See the adobe house with the thatched roof? Yes, the one with the chickens in the yard and the gangly teenager repairing chairs in the shed. Word has it He can fix your plumbing as well.
He's been there.
"He had to enter into every detail of human life. Then, when he came before God as high priest to get rid of the people's sins, he would have already experienced it all himself--all the pain, all the testing--and would be able to help where help was needed" (Hebrews 2:17-18 MSG).
Where do you most need His help as the big day of His birthday celebration approaches? What "detail of human life" especially troubles you? Come to Him. Tell Him about it. Ask for His assistance. He longs to help you, one member of a dysfunctional family to another.
(Adapted from Next Door Savior by Max Lucado)
Application
Jesus knows all about your life on earth. He knows both what troubles you and what entices you. He is your Lord, but He's also your brother (Hebrews 2:11). So come to Him today. Bring to Him the gift of your need.
Exploration
Christ's Victory over Sin and Death--Romans 6:5-11.
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