A message on Jesus’ Life.
Written by Volunteer Coordinator for RAHAB’s Stark County Drop-In Home, Ashley Scott
When asked to write about the life of Jesus, His numerous miracles and valuable teachings quickly came to mind. Yet as I continued to give it thought, His humanity, His emotions, and His responses to the emotions of others, held my attention.
John 1:14 tells us, “And the word became flesh and dwelt among us…”
Jesus left His throne in heaven, the physical presence of His Father, to live as a man. Fully God, yet fully human, He came in the likeness of men. He understands our weaknesses, and He is a man of sorrows acquainted with grief.
Scripture reveals that Jesus felt deeply and at times openly expressed His emotions. We also see instances where our loving Savior was sensitive to the emotions of those close to Him. He modeled this aspect of humanity all while embodying the fullest measure of faith, hope, and love. Jesus didn’t use His deity to override the human experience- He embraced it and walked alongside other’s living it.
John 11 illustrates this within the story of Lazarus. When Mary, Lazarus’ sister, and follower of Christ, fell at the feet of Jesus weeping questioning why He hadn’t saved her brother, Jesus did not disregard her tears. Instead, He was deeply moved by them. Jesus goes directly to the source of Mary’s sorrow, her brother’s tomb, and weeps. In that moment, surrounded by a grieving community, Jesus gives space for their emotions and expresses His own publicly. Being fully God, Jesus knew that He would raise Lazarus from the dead and He still wept.
Christ’s humanity and empathy profoundly impacts how we approach the holy work we do at RAHAB. What a sacred thing it is to provide a safe space for the women and children we serve to process their emotions. Oftentimes, this is the first time they have been given the space to safely let their feelings flow. We can weep with them in these moments all while having the bold faith that Jesus’ resurrection power can redeem and restore their lives.
Our blessed savior Jesus willingly steps into our messy lives, the places marred by grief, and shares in those pains-grieving with us, bringing the fullness of redemption with Him. At RAHAB, we have the privilege of being the hands and feet of Christ and living this example out with the beautiful women we serve. I am forever grateful my God CHOSE humanity.