We love because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19

Jesus…born of a woman with a heart, eyes, ears, mouth and so much more…just like me! He was hungry and thirsty. He felt pain. He became tired. Just like me! He was tempted and falsely accused…just like me!!

Jesus suffered…far more than I ever have, probably ever will. As a human, Jesus was nailed to a cross at his hands and feet. He was crucified. His body was a human body. It bled and bruised and scarred just like mine does and can, although not via crucifixion.

But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. … For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.” And again another Scripture says, “They will look on him whom they have pierced.” John 19:33-34, 36-37 (Prophecies: Exodus 12:46/Numbers 9:12/Psalm 34:20, Psalm 22:16/Zechariah 12:10)

But Jesus was different. Oh, so very different. He bled and died, yet not just physically. He bled when He took our sin to that Cross. We all are sinners and Jesus bled for us all. He has given us…me eternal life. Thank You, Jesus.

He was and is God. He was 100% human and 100% God when He came to earth.

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:5-8

As I continue to ponder the actual humanity of Jesus, my Lord and Savior, I am overwhelmed that He chose to come into this world to save us. He came as a baby, grew up, worked as a carpenter.

And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. Mark 6:2-3

And when the time came, Jesus began His ministry…teaching, healing, loving, caring about the many ‘one anothers.’ Jesus reached out first just as He loved first. He reached out to touch, to give, to accept, to love unconditionally.

I am thankful that Jesus came to save me. I am filled with gratitude to be one of His sheep. He is my Shepherd.

Jesus, I pray Your Word back to You… Hebrew 4:14-16:

Since I have You, a great High Priest Who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, I pray I hold fast my confession. For I do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with my weaknesses, but One Who in every respect has been tempted as I have, yet without sin. Let me then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that I may receive mercy and find grace to help in my time of need. Thank You, my Sweet Lord. In Your Name, I pray. Amen.

P.S. Lord, I love You back.

Photo of the hand reaching out @ Jlhopgood/Flickr