Like Us In Every Respect

Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people.
Hebrews 2:17 NRSV

I have always understood that Emmanuel or God with us means that Jesus did become human just like you and me. However, today it really strikes me again how much Jesus was like us. The book of Hebrews reminds us of the humaness that Jesus took on. However, it wasn't just like a costume or a mask. Jesus became human - just like us, his brothers and sisters - in every respect.

I often want to put a limit into how much Jesus was human. Certainly, he must have been way more spiritually mature than most of us. He was also very attuned to our Father and His will. But does that mean you and I would never be able to be as mature? Could we never be that attuned to God and God's will?

I suppose the better point of view here is not that Jesus was human but how divine can we become? How much closer are we all capable of being to God? If Jesus was like us in every respect, then perhaps we too could be more divine than we are at this moment.

The price of being more divine entails sacrifice. However, none of us really feels like taking on all that sacrifice and atonement responsibility. So, we will pass on that - thanks so much. Jesus became like us in every respect but one - he accepted his divine nature as well as his human one.

God, you gave us your Son who became like us in every respect. Have patience on us, God, when we avoid being closer to you, more divine and spiritually mature. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Question of the day: What spiritual traits do you share with Jesus?

Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims