So He Could Relate

Do you ever ask yourself why He did it?  Why did Jesus come to this earth, to pay for our sins.  Oh, I know the standard answer.  “He did it because He loved us.”  Clearly true, but it doesn’t help me to understand.  He could have done a number of things, including beaming down from Heaven at a better time, when there were recordable media, as a 40 foot tall perfect human specimen, and hung Himself on that cross for me. 

It is humiliating enough for the Creator of all things to take the form of a human, but why the cute, pathetic scene we see all over the place at this time of year?  Why a fragile little baby, born into brutal circumstances?  Why only lowly shepherds to view the greatest miracle ever seen?  Why the hard life of a first century carpenter?  Why all of the strange, difficult events and situations that defined the life of Christ?

He did it so He could relate to us.  God came to earth and was born, a fragile baby in a hostile world, in the humblest, dirtiest, most difficult circumstances (how many people would choose a barn as a birthplace.  He grew up into a difficult life.  His family had to move around during His early years, because His life was in danger.  His occupation would be a hard one, and would not create a lot of admiration.  Once His ministry began, He would be questioned and rejected by the very (lowly) ones He came to save.  Ultimately, he would have to face up to, and suffer one of the more brutal deaths this world has devised.  He understands. 

Do you ever feel alone, and like no one understands?  Jesus has been alone.  Have you been rejected by people, perhaps even people you love?  So has He.  Have you had hard things in your past?  Do you have a scary looking future?  He knows, and He understands.  He could have chosen a thousand different ways to save us from death.  However, He chose a way that would make Him understand, not only in His mind, but by His experience.  He did that for you.  If you were the only sheep that would be lost, He’d have come to find you – just you.

Hebrews 4:14-16 tells us that we have a High Priest who can sympathize with us, because He has been here.  In whatever situation you might struggle with, He knows, He understands.  You can draw near to Him with confidence.  You can go to Him, and you can trust Him.  He is the God of the universe.  But still, He can relate.