Jesus Has Been There Before

Had a few bad days; a whole string of 'em to be exact. Decided to examine Hebrews 4:15. Did Jesus really know, first hand, what I was going through? Think about it as you read; if you think of other, better examples, comment and I will edit this to include them. Its been a healing exercise for me. I pray you receive something of benefit from it, also. KJP

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. (Hebrews 4:15)

Have you ever been hungry with no food available? Thirsty with no water at hand?

And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry. (Matthew 4:2)

Have your good intentions been misinterpreted, causing those around you to be angry when you meant well?

Those who had seen it described to them how it had happened to the demon-possessed man, and all about the swine. And they began to implore Him to leave their region. (Mark 5:16-17)

Has your family ever asked you for help when you were not prepared?

When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to Him, "They have no wine." And Jesus said to her, "Woman, what does that have to do with us? My hour has not yet come." His mother said to the servants, "Whatever He says to you, do it." (John 2:3-5)

Has a friend ever betrayed your trust, causing you deep emotional pain?

And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, "Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times." (Luke 22:61)

Has anyone ever threatened your physical well-being without justification?

Now the chief priests and the whole Council kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus, so that they might put Him to death. (Matthew 26:59)

Has anyone spoken poorly of you and tried to discredit you simply out of vengeance?

In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking Him and saying, "He saved others; He cannot save Himself. He is the King of Israel; let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe in Him. (Matthew 27:41-42)

Have those you have been most generous to been ungrateful, even spiteful, taking advantage of you and then showing no gratitude?

Then one of the twelve, named Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests. (Matthew 26:14)

Has anyone ever stolen from you, struck you, tried to murder you?

Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, to each soldier a part, and also the tunic. (John 19:23a)

Has your family and friends ever doubted your abilities?

Jesus said to him, "Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." (John 20:29)

Have loved ones ever abandoned you, or at least did that possibility seem utterly real?

And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" which is translated, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" (Mark 15:34)

Have those you hold most dear not been there when you needed them most?

Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: "I will strike the Shepherd, And the sheep will be scattered.' (Mark 14:27)

Have you ever lost a close friend?

Now when Jesus heard about John, He withdrew from there in a boat to a secluded place by Himself; (Matthew 14:13a)

Have you ever had a day you dreaded?

And being in agony He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground. (Luke 22:44)

Have you ever asked God to change your circumstances, even though you knew you were where he needed you?

And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will." (Matthew 26:39)

Jesus has been there before, and He knows your pain. Put your pain in His hands, and trust Him.