Jesus Feels Your Pain

During times of intense suffering, has anyone said, “I know. I understand.” Those words roll off our tongues easily but are often untrue and unwise. It may make the person feel better, but it does nothing for you when you are in the jaws of suffering.

There is One, though, our Lord Jesus, he who was wounded for our transgressions, that can say those words and mean them fully. When we weep, Jesus weeps with us, as he did at Lazarus’ grave (John 11:33-35). When we are beaten up by persecutors, he feels that pain in heaven, as he did when Saul was murdering Christians. Jesus, addressing Saul said, Why are you persecuting Me? (Acts 9:1-6).

When our weaknesses overwhelm us, he understands us fully as Hebrews 4:15 reminds us:

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.

Notice what that verse doesn’t say. It doesn't say that Jesus is with us when things are going well (which he is). Rather, he empathizes (literally suffers with us). He feels for you when you are wounded and crushed. When you are rejected, he knows what it means to be despised and scorned (Isaiah 53:3-5). When, because of your agonizing pain you are forsaken by your closest friends, he has been there (Matthew 26:69-75).

Soak in these words by Dane Ortlund – “Whatever is crumbling all around you in your life, whenever you feel stuck, this remains undeflectable: his heart for you, the real you, is gentle and lowly. So, go to him. That place in your life where you feel most defeated, he is there; he lives there, right there and his heart for you … is gentle and lowly. Your anguish Is his home. Go to him. If you knew his heart, you would.” Come to Jesus, your Lord, and Savior today. Tell him how you are feeling. His ears are ever open. He will never “put you on hold.” His eyes are always on you. He is never distracted by some other crisis. His heart is unfailingly full of compassion. It is never callous.

Run into his more than adequate arms of grace today. They are open wide.

• Take a few moments to write out or speak out your response to the reassuring truth that Jesus feels your pain.

Excerpts from The Point of Your Thorns: Finding Purpose in Your Pain

By Rowland Forman