The Jaw-Dropping Jesus

"We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son who came from the Father"
1 Corinthians 1:14a (ESV)

Every moment with Jesus was a jaw-dropping moment. The Apostle John spent three years with Him and said, "I saw the glory of God in his walk. I saw the glory of God in his works. I saw the glory of God in his words."

John witnessed a man who could get thirsty and needed to drink water, but then could turn around and walk on water. He watched a man who got hungry and needed bread, but then could feed 20,000 people with a few loaves. A man who died on a cross, but then rose from the dead and came back from the grave.

God said, "I'm not just going to tell you what I'm like. I'm going to show you what I'm like." God became just like us so that we could understand Him, know Him, love Him, and relate to Him. 

What’s mind-blowing is that God the Father has never experienced humanity. The Bible says He doesn't get tired or grow weary. He doesn’t know what it is to be poor. His Son knows all of those things. Jesus experienced all the weakness and trials of the human experience, but without sin. 

When you doubt whether God really cares about your problems, remember that Jesus suffered the same challenges. He had to learn how to honor the Father and obey Him through His own struggles. (See Hebrews 5:8) Jesus understands you because He lived it. 

That means you can come to Him with anything and everything you experience, and know that you will not only be understood, but helped. As you read these verses, open your heart and let your own jaw drop at His mercy and faithfulness to you today:

“Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.” 

(Hebrews 4:14-16, The Message)

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for showing me Your glory through Jesus. Help me see the wonder of who You are this Christmas season—and may I always walk right up to You and receive all You are so ready to give. In Your name, Lord, Amen.