Many of us have experienced a change in circumstances, such as moving away from a cherished home and leaving behind family and friends. Such changes can be challenging. But no human has dealt with changes like those Jesus experienced. In heaven, he was the most prominent of Jehovah's spirit sons. He basked in Jehovah's love and was always joyful as he served at God's "right hand." (Psalm 16:11; Proverbs 8:30) Yet, Philippians 2:7 says that he willingly "emptied himself," giving up his exalted position to live among imperfect humans on earth.
Consider, too, the circumstances surrounding Jesus' birth and earth life as a human. Jesus was born into a poor family, as shown by the humble sacrifice his parents offered after he was born. (Leviticus 12:8; Luke 2:24) Learning of Jesus' birth, wicked King Herod tried to kill Jesus. To get away from Herod's clutches, the family became refugees in Egypt for a time. (Matthew 2:13, 15) What a change from Jesus' prehuman existence!
While one earth, Jesus saw suffering all around him. He undoubtedly experienced the loss of loved ones, apparently his adoptive father, Joseph. During his ministry, Jesus came in contact with lepers, blind people, paralytics, and bereaved parents, and he felt compassion for them. (Matthew 9:2, 6; 15:30; 20:34; Mark 1:40, 41; Luke 7:13) True, he had seen suffering from his exalted heavenly position. But now, as a man on earth, he observed mankind's pain from a new perspective. (Isaiah 53:4) Jesus' experiences on earth helped him to understand the feelings, frustrations, and pains of mankind. He personally experienced feelings, frustrations, and emotions common to humans, including anguish, weariness, and grief.
Next time: Consider Our Sympathetic High Priest - Jesus -JESUS SHOWS FELLOW FEELING FOR PEOPLE
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