God knows how I feel

We are just about to finish up with the first Gospel, the book of Matthew. Today's reading is Matthew 26:36-75. If you would like to join us, this week's reading schedule is posted here.

This is a really heavy chapter. Jesus is arrested in the garden of Gethsemane and begins His trial. But first, Jesus goes through an intense prayer session, pleading with God that He does not have to undergo this ordeal. As always, He offers to do the will of God, even if that means death.

However, while this entire passage is worthy of study, I was struck by something a bit different.

Then He said to them,
My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death.
Stay here and watch with Me.
Matthew 26:38

God knows exactly how I feel! This is not just an intellectual knowledge, but the knowledge of someone who has experienced the full range of human emotions. Jesus felt depressed. Got angry. Was exceedingly sorrowful. While He was on earth, He did not just experience the positive side of human emotions. He experienced the full range, from exceeding joy to exceeding sorrow!

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

He know how we feel!

Father, thank You! Thank You for not being distant, for not being separated from Your creation. Thank You for allowing Jesus to undergo the same temptations and emotions that I face. Thank You for giving me the promise that You understand! And that I can come boldly to Your throne for both mercy and grace. Thank You! In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.