Read the Book: April - JuneSample

Week 24

The Gift of Understanding

Hebrews 5

We’ve all had that feeling when we are getting advice and thinking, “This person has no idea what they are talking about.” We’ve all been there. For example, have you noticed how teens can sometimes become parenting experts? Did you ever lecture your parents about how they were being unfair or compared them to other parents? And while all parents hope that one day, their kids will understand all they’ve done for them and take their wisdom, we are not all apt to do that. 

It’s easy to simply not understand—we don’t always understand others, and others don’t always understand us. Maybe you’ve experienced someone not understanding you if you’ve worked in a job where your supervisor had unrealistic expectations and it felt like they had no idea what your job actually entailed. Or maybe you didn’t understand the “big deal” when you’ve spoken with someone who made it seem like their darkest trial in life has been dealing with a Starbucks barista who never gets their order right? While that certainty could be a very frustrating situation for them, you wouldn’t go to that person for guidance if you have just lost a loved one or are struggling with depression. It would feel like they could never understand. 

But here is some good news. No matter what you are walking through in life, you will never find yourself trapped like this if Jesus is your High Priest. Jesus understands. He has been where you have been. He has he has lost children, he has suffered death, he has been tempted by satan himself, he has been in need, he has been rejected, he has been hated, he has been used, he has been afraid, he has sacrificed greatly, he has dwelled in darkness, he has laughed, and he has cried. You can go to him knowing that he will understand. He will have compassion on the humble.


Family Connection: Have your family draw a picture and tell them that it has to be perfect! Once everyone finishes ask, “Do you think you drew your picture perfectly?” No! It was an impossible goal to draw a perfect picture. Even the very best artist makes mistakes! The Bible teaches us that only Jesus is perfect! Because He is perfect, He is the only way we can have a forever relationship with God!