Monday, June 22, 2015

JESUS KNOWS


Ever have one of those moments?

You're reading the Bible, or singing a worship song, or listening to a sermon – and boom!  Something leaps out and stuns your heart.

This happened to me on Sunday.

Right in the middle of a song, I saw these words…

Jesus knows.

And all of a sudden, I couldn't sing – overcome with feeling, tears flooded my eyes.

A simple truth, a profound Truth.

Something that I've known forever, and that I can read about in Scripture.  A familiar concept – one that brings comfort and hope.

But, for some Holy Spirit reason, in this particular moment, I was blindsided by the impact of those mighty words:

JESUS. KNOWS.


Would you take a moment and ponder that, too?

Let it really sink into your soul.

There is nothing that ever happens to us in this life of which Jesus is not aware.

And He cares.

But you know, I think there's a difference between having sympathy for someone, and empathizing with them.  I looked up the definitions to help make the distinction:

Sympathy: feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else's misfortune
Empathy: the ability to understand and share the feelings of another

Sympathy is important.

To show pity for someone else's trials and suffering is crucial.  But it's a more passive emotion.  It's like watching a sad movie, and feeling sorry for the main character, but it might not be a situation that we have actually experienced.

Empathy is more.

It is the act of entering into someone else's trials and suffering.  To understand because you've *been there.*  For instance, I might sympathize with your broken arm, but I'll empathize with your dental problems.

Sympathy enables me to feel bad for your feelings.  Empathy enables me to feel your feelings as if they're my own, because I've had them myself.

So, perhaps this is why those words – Jesus knows – hit me in a particular way on Sunday.  Jesus doesn't just sympathize with me, He empathizes.


I wonder…

Since the presence of the Holy Spirit actually lives within me, does Jesus also actually experience my physical pain and my emotional angst?  I think it's entirely possible.

We do know that when He physically walked this earth, He experienced all that it means to be human:

"This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do…" (Hebrews 4:15, NLT) 


Wanting to really explore a little deeper what this really means, I consulted some commentaries.  I think you'll enjoy what I read:

Matthew Henry – "In the sight of Infinite Wisdom, it was needful that the Saviour of men should be one who has the fellow-feeling which no being but a fellow-creature could possibly have; and therefore it was necessary he should have actual experience of all the effects of sin that could be separated from its actual guilt."

(Don't you love that – fellow-feeling of a fellow-creature?!)


Pulpit commentary – "That Christ, in his human nature, partook of all the original affections of humanity – hope, fear, desire, joy, grief, indignation, shrinking from suffering, and the like – is apparent, not only from his life, but also from the fact that his assumption of our humanity would have otherwise been incomplete."

(I loved the mention of Jesus "shrinking from suffering" – just like me!)


Gill's Exposition – "[He was] touched with the feeling of our infirmities; such as bodily diseases and wants, persecutions from men, and the temptations of Satan; under all which Christ sympathizes [empathizes] with his people; and which sympathy [empathy] of his arises from his knowledge and experience of these things, and the share he has had of them, and from that union there is between him and his people: and it is not a bare sympathy [empathy], but is attended with his assistance, support, and deliverance; and the consideration of it is of great comfort to the saints…"

(Note – His knowledge AND experience of these things.)


My friends, these are powerful thoughts.  

This is empowering knowledge.

Let not the familiarity of these words diminish their impact.  

The Sovereign and Almighty God of the Universe, sent His Son – who was also perfect, holy, omnipotent, completely God Himself – sent this Son, Jesus, into our world.  Our world full of all that it means to be human.

Pain, suffering, temptation, disease, fear, rejection, exhaustion.

He went through it all – the small stuff (stubbed toes??) and the big stuff (injury and death).

Are you getting it???

Jesus KNOWS!


Now, as I have further contemplated these life-changing words, I'm thinking about something else.

What would it be like if I actually pictured Jesus with me, in physical form, when I go through stuff?  Actually right there, in person?

OK, so, I'm picturing Him in some cargo shorts, a T-shirt, and Birkenstock sandals.  Oh, He's still got long hair and a beard, too.  Piercing brown eyes.

Right now, He's sitting next to me on the couch.  

But He's also going to enter into all my *stuff.*

Can you do that, too?

Picture Him with a cool washcloth on your forehead when you've got a fever. Or rubbing your neck when you've got a headache.  Or giving you a thumb's up when you're sitting in that dentist chair.  Or smiling at you when you come out of surgery.  Or sitting by you when you get test results.  Or patting your hand during chemotherapy.  Or hugging you when you cry over the loss of a loved one.

Picture Him in whatever it is that you face.

Don't just know that He's there…

…picture Him there! 

Create an actual visual!!

Close your eyes, and feel His hand, His arms, His smile, His shoulder, His heartbeat, His breath.

And know that every single thing you go through, no matter what…

JESUS. KNOWS.


I sigh with the blessing of this Truth.

And chuckle at the way Jesus brings it home to me – for just today I had a comment on last week's post (when I bemoaned my upcoming gum surgery and tooth repair), and this is part of what it said (Thanks, Nannette!):

"…know that JESUS KNOWS all we go through here on this earth."

Yup, she even capitalized the important part!!


Listen to Jesus, friends…

"My child, I have held your hand before it was even formed.  I will hold it for eternity.  I will never leave you nor forsake you.  And I do indeed know what you're going through.  I know what it feels like to be human.  So, take heart, don't be afraid.  I am here.  And I have overcome."


OK, now I'm picturing hugging Him…







All of my life,
in every season,
You are still God.

Your eye is on the sparrow,
and You hold on to me. 




This is another great song we sang on Sunday:

When my hope and strength is gone
You're the one who calls me on
You are the life
You are the fight
That's in my soul.

Oh, Your resurrection power
Burns like fire in my heart
When waters rise
I lift my eyes
Up to Your throne.

I will sing into the night
Christ is risen and on high
Greater is He
Living in me
Than in the world.

No surrender, no retreat
We are free and we're redeemed
We will declare
Over despair
You are the hope.

We are more than conquerors, through Christ
You have overcome this world, this life
We will not bow to sin or to shame
We are defiant in Your name
You are the fire that cannot be tamed
You are the power in our veins
Our Lord, our God, our Conqueror.

Nothing is impossible
Every chain is breakable
With You, we are victorious.
You are stronger than our hearts
You are greater than the dark
With You, we are victorious.

(Rend Collective, "More Than Conquerors")


"He was despised and rejected – a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief." (Isaiah 53:3, NLT)

"He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases." (Matthew 8:17, NIV)

(Isaiah 53:4, three ways):

"Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering…" (NIV)
"Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows…" (ESV)
"Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down." (NLT)

"Because God's children are human beings – made of flesh and blood – the Son also became flesh and blood.  For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death.  Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.

We also know that the Son did not come to help angels; he came to help the descendants of Abraham.  Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God.  Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people.  Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested." 
(Hebrews 2:14-18, NLT)

"…he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.  That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:9-10, NIV)

"For we do not have a High Priest Who is unable to understand and sympathize and have a shared feeling with our weaknesses and infirmities and liability to the assaults of temptation, but One Who has been tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sinning.  Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God's unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it]." (Hebrews 4:15-16, AMP)

"For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ." (2 Corinthians 1:5, NIV)

"For his Spirit joins with our spirit…In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God's glory.  But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later." (Romans 8:16-18, NLT)



Do you truly believe that no matter what you're going through, no matter what you're feeling, no matter what you're suffering - JESUS KNOWS?



Linked with:

SHARING HIS BEAUTY, PLAYDATES WITH GOD, SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, GRATEFUL HEART MONDAY, FIND STABILITY, REFLECT LINKUP, WORDS WITH WINTER, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, TITUS 2 TUESDAYSOLI DEO GLORIA, MAKE A DIFFERENCE MONDAYS, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, WOMEN HELPING WOMEN, TUESDAY TALK, RA RA LINKUP, MOM 2 MOM MONDAY, TELL HIS STORY, WHOLEHEARTED HOME, WISE WOMAN, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION WEDNESDAYS, WAITING ON WEDNESDAY, THE ART OF HOME-MAKING MONDAYS, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAYS, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, BELOVED BREWS, GRACE AT HOME, SHINE, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, HEARTS FOR HOME, THE (NOT JUST) HOMEMAKING PARTY, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, FELLOWSHIP FRIDAYLIGHT FRIDAY HIT LIST, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, COUNTING MY BLESSINGS, FAITH & FELLOWSHIP, GRACE & TRUTH, DANCE WITH JESUS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, SATURDAY SOIREE, STILL SATURDAY, WEEKEND BREW, SUNDAY STILLNESS, TGI SATURDAYS, GIVE ME GRACE



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

36 comments:

  1. Thank you Sharon for bringing these powerful thoughts to remembrance. I'm so glad that JESUS.KNOWS; that I know He knows and can picture Him there, showing He cares with empathy ... real too goodness feeling - "fellow feeling" - "feeling our ..." whatever, right with us ... Songs hit me and overwhelm me like this often. There is so much healing in music. There is healing in knowing JESUS.KNOWS! Love your photo but your words also captured that image so beautifully. It's wonderful to have that sense of knowing and that Jesus is touching you right where you are, as you are ... and I know He is healing you and me with His hand and empathy, words in songs that reach deep into our soul! He loves you that much (as I love you too) I find comfort in this message. Bless you Sharon ~ Love and hugs, Peggy

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  2. This is so true, Sharon, that Jesus Knows. I do believe he feels our sadness and suffering and pain; I think we just need to remember that he knows and is there for us; we just have to continue to remember to turn to him when we are going through those hard times of life.

    betty

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  3. Sharon,
    This is beautiful and powerful. Thank you so much. I'll be thinking of you today and tomorrow during my cavity filling appointments.
    Blessings,
    Stacey

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  4. Sharon, my friend...I want you to know that I EMPATHIZE with you completely. Every post you write seems like it comes right out of my heart...only you put it into words SO much better than I could ever do. I have those very same moments when I feel Jesus right next to me...and He gives the BEST hugs, doesn't He??

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  5. Some days we just need to be reminded that Jesus knows. I sure did today.I don't believe I've heard the song you posted but the words are amazing.
    Oh, Your resurrection power
    Burns like fire in my heart
    When waters rise
    I lift my eyes
    Up to Your throne.

    I'm keeping my eyes on the throne today!

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  6. Sharon,

    I just love when God gives us those moments. It is like a washing over and through ...to remind us of His presence. I'm so thankful for the moment you had with Him and so thankful that He is a God who knows our every ache and our every joy.
    Thrilled to stop by from#Reflect!

    Blessings and smiles,
    Lori

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  7. Stopping by from Reflect! Love your post! This hit home on so many levels! Do you truly believe that no matter what you're going through, no matter what you're feeling, no matter what you're suffering - JESUS KNOWS?

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  8. Jesus was tempted in all points like us, and he did carry our pain, sickness, sin and rejection to the cross. It was so bad, the Father God could not look at him for a time. Yes, He knows that is certain, and I love the way God spoke to you there in your church. It was a precious moment of revelation. Thank you for sharing with us here at Tell me a Story.

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  9. This made me think of something said by one of our worship leaders on Sunday that impacted me like these words did for you. And three words were, "God is always." He said it a few times and I kept waiting for what would come next. But that was it, "God is always." And He is always. No more was needed after that. "God is always." Rather comforting. Lots to sit and reflect on this morning. :)
    Love you, friend.
    xoxo

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  10. I loved your last paragraph so much revealing not only does He know, but He has overcome. That's what hits home with me. He is not condemning me or shaming me, but reminding me that all this pain in life, physical and emotional, is something He is familiar with and redeemed me from. Because He has overcome, we can. Through Him. Through His Word. I have a booklet of scriptural declarations reminding me every day. I forget, unfortunately.

    Love to study with you, dear sister. You are near in my thoughts and prayers and soon this dental stuff will be behind you.

    Have a blessed week,
    Mary

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  11. Sharon! You are my neighbour at Women with Intention and boy did your words hit home. Jesus knows. Jesus is with me in my present circumstances, Jesus is leading and guiding me and Jesus is not going to let me fail. Jesus Knows because He is the way, the truth and the life and is ever present with me. Thank you!!

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  12. Good word, Sharon. I used to joke about memorizing the shortest verse in scripture; John 11:35, "Jesus wept." I don't joke anymore, too many years on this planet has given me enough wisdom to realize His perfect compassion for us… even when He knew He was getting ready to do the grandest of His miracles… Great thoughts, sister. Indeed… "He knows."

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  13. yep I sure do. And He's got a plan in all of it. Great post Sharon.

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  14. Love this and I'm right there with you! I have been thinking on the gospel much this week and it's implications for me living as God's child. If the gospel is true, then we have everything in Christ. I'm also thinking on the character if God via readings in the book Craving Grace by Ruthie Delk. It's challenging me in the unbelief I have and the lies I believe. It's been really good.

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  15. Indeed, Jesus knows...I experienced it numerous time this last month with the loss of my sister and mother. In Him is also consolation! Thanks be to God!

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  16. Well, I thought I replied here on Tuesday but I see it never showed up. Trying again. :) I do love this post, Sharon. There are often times where I have those a-ha moments with God, some insight or word that suddenly is bright and fresh, just for me. I'm glad Jesus knows just what to give us and when!

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  17. "Let not the familiarity of these words diminish their impact. " Amen, my friend. So thankful that your heart got a jolt this weekend! The song you posted was our theme song for the Soli Deo Gloria retreat last year - so wonderful to sing with conviction, believing the Promises! Have a blessed week.

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  18. I am thankful that He knows (and He cares!) xo

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  19. Lovely! And I love, love, love that Rend Collective song. Thanks for faithfully linking up at #ThreeWordWednesday.

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  20. Amen! I so agree with you, and was right there with you crying in church as the words of a wonderful worship song spoke directly to my need, "You're a good, good Father, it's who you are, and I'm loved by you, it's who I am" ❤️

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  21. Great word, Sharon. Isn't it powerfully encouraging to know that God knows, sees, hears and understands every bit of what we are going through!

    Found you on the Faith and Fellowship link up today. Glad to find your site.
    Blessings,
    Melanie

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  22. Great job explaining that sympathy is passive but empathy is active and about joining another person in his or her pain and suffering. I felt that I knew the difference between these two words before reading, but you explained it in a unique way that really demonstrates how these two words are VERY different.

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  23. This is indeed a powerful truth. When I'm upset/crying I often picture Jesus there with me holding me, comforting me. JESUS KNOWS (yep caps are absolutely necessary after reading this post!).

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  24. Beautiful words reminding me of an even more beautiful truth.

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  25. I do. See him next to me. Thanks for this Sharon.

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  26. I am such a visual person so I love what you request "Picture Him in whatever it is that you face.Don't just know that He's there…

    …picture Him there!"

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  27. I love the power in your words today. Jesus does know and this is so freeing for me. Blessed to have you join us at The Weekend Brew. Weekend blessings!

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  28. God is well acquainted with our grief and our sufferings. I am thankful that He knows. I am so thankful you shared this today.

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  29. Wonderful post Sharon, thank you for sharing at Good Morning Mondays. Thanks for the reminder that Jesus knows, that He knows all about us. Blessings

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  30. Sharon - I feel like I've just read some of my own way of thinking - thank you for showing me that you get stopped short during a song (sometimes it's hard to explain the sudden tears...), thank you for showing me that you also go to the commentaries when you feel curious, or disturbed, or just plain want to know,.. thank you for the dictionary definitions...Thank you for the scripture references. This post is everything it needs to be - Jesus Knows!

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  31. This post reminded me of Jeremy Camp's song, "He Knows". Oh, that song has comforted me! And another song we sing at church called, "Jesus Knows" and another that is called "Just To Know That He Knows". I think I may have sent the words of that one to you one time via email? Yes, dear friend, He does know, and He not only knows, He hurts right along with us, as you said. I am praying for you. Sending you much love and many blessings!

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  32. Oh my goodness... I've had unbelievable moments like that! I'll be overcome with a strong sense that God wanted me to see, hear, or read something specific.

    I love your message that Jesus knows. That just lifted my spirit! I'll be thinking of that all day.

    Thank you for sharing (and for linking up to the #SHINEbloghop).

    Wishing you a lovely day.
    xoxo

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  33. Love this post! Thank you for encouraging people to use their imaginations and picture Jesus there with them. So many people are afraid of this!

    Thanks for joining Grace at Home. I'm featuring you this week!

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  34. Praise God that he brings those times of understanding that leave us weeping for joy at the hope and comfort that are ours in Christ. To contemplate that He not only knows but that he has ordained these "light momentary afflictions" for our good, our refining, our transformation into the image of our King and for His glory!

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"So [I] have been greatly encouraged in the midst of [my] troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives [me] new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How [I] thank God for you!" (1 Thessalonians 3:7-9)

Thanks for your comments - it is such a joy to be sharing my journey with friends like YOU!

(NOTE: Anonymous comments will be removed. Thank you for understanding.)