Have you ever wondered if Jesus can really understand the emotions that you deal with in the day to day world that you live in?
We are faced with an array of emotions. There is sadness and disappointment. Loneliness and rejection. Woundedness and betrayal. Crushing grief and sorrow. Misunderstanding and anger.
The Complexity of Emotions
There is a range of emotions that we as humans feel on a regular basis. We experience a complex spectrum of feelings and reactions. Emotion is defined as a natural instinctive state of mind deriving from one’s circumstances, mood or relationships with others. Emotions are a natural part of life.
Many of these emotions come and we do not understand why we are feeling as we do. At other times we just want to close the door on the situation and push back on our rising emotions in order to cope with the situations at hand.
As I contemplate Holy Week and the weeks leading up to the climactic crucifixion of Jesus I see many emotions displayed in the life of Jesus. He was the Son of God, yet human in every way. He had physical pain to deal with. Emotional turmoil to work through, as well as sorrow to face. What did Jesus do in the midst of his pain? How did he walk through this life victoriously?
The Life of Jesus
As we look at the life of Jesus, we see him faced with the types of emotions that we deal with in today’s world. Jesus sat in the house of Simon and the aroma of Mary’s gift of anointing wafted through the rooms. In this moment of joyful acceptance, Jesus was faced with the disapproval of others.
In addition to encountering disapproval, Jesus faced frustration in his ministry efforts. Time and time again he was not able to bring hope and healing to a community because of the unbelief of others. Furthermore, Jesus wept with the sorrowing of heart. He felt the kinship of friendship being severed by the death of Lazarus. It was a sadness that brought him to tears. In the death of John the Baptist, Jesus was faced with the hurt of the earthly loss of family.
When we are faced with frustration, sorrow and loss let’s remember that Jesus has walked this path before us. Throughout these times of emotion we see Jesus seeking out his Father. It was these moments of aloneness with God that strengthened him and enabled him to accept the human hurts that came with his humanity.
Even now, God stands ready to strengthen and enable us when we call out to him. When our feelings overwhelm us remember that He understands and will guide us through this life. He that created us is able to help us through the labyrinth of emotions that may surround us.
The Realities of Life
Joy and singing filled the streets as the people rejoiced over the kingship of Jesus. He felt the love and acceptance of the throng. On the other hand, what devastation Jesus must have felt hearing the ones that proclaimed the Old Testament truths plotting his death.
Retrace the steps of Jesus as he wept over the rejection he felt from Jerusalem and the spiritual leaders of that day. Watch the adrenalin packed moments as Jesus formed a whip, toppled tables and cast out the moneychangers who had desecrated the temple. Feel the trepidation as the days relentlessly moved closer to the Feast of the Passover.
The weight of the coming days was sure to bring about troubling thoughts. In fact, as Jesus sat in the upper room the gospel of John shares that he was troubled in spirit. He was facing betrayal from one of his own. There was heart wrenching grief for Jesus as Judas walked out into the night.
Enabling Strength and Victorious Living
In the midst of this emotional turmoil, Jesus chose to serve others and give thanks to his Father. Jesus knelt, as a servant and washed the disciples feet. Subsequently, He spoke of a life of serving and how we each are to do as he had done. In the doing, we are drawn closer to Jesus. Furthermore, Jesus says that a life of service will result in happiness.
“If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.”
John 13:17
Jesus did not stop there. He continued to serve through fellowship with his disciples and the giving of encouragement. Those timeless passages found in the gospel of John, chapters 13 – 17 still reach down through the ages and continue to touch lives. Despite the troubling emotions, Jesus chose to serve.
Moreover, Jesus also shows us the way forward through thanksgiving. Though faced with a deep sorrow and grief Jesus gave thanks to his Father that night of the Passover supper. In the giving of praise and thanksgiving enabling strength was gained for the night ahead.
Sometimes it is easy to give praise. On the other hand, what about those times of hardship? Are we still praising our God even when it is a sacrifice to do so? A sacrifice has a cost to it. However, a choice to give thanks in the midst of our storm is a sacrifice that will pay dividends within our spirit.
“I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord.”
Psalm 116:17
Facing Deep Emotions
When we are faced with an emotional storm, what do we choose to do? Jesus’ choice consisted of service and thanksgiving. How might our life change for the better if we commit to these disciplines even in the storms of lilfe?
Moreover, in the garden, he asked three of his disciples to stay awake with him. He needed them to watch and pray. The Bible records that when Jesus came back to the disciples he found them asleep. What do we do when faced with disappointment from others? Let’s do as Jesus did and seek refuge in the Father.
That night was filled with the deep emotions of grief and sorrow. Jesus didn’t want to face the torture, rejection and crucifixion. Certainly those were anxiety filled moments. He asked the Father if there was any other possible way, though he knew there wasn’t. Moreover, in his grief his sweat were as great drops of blood. Again and again he prayed, “not my will, but thine be done.”
The Bedrock of Life
Within this emotion-packed week, it was the Father’s love that anchored him. Jesus was beloved of the Father and his hearts desire was to do the will of the Father. In other words, it was the knowledge of being loved of the Father and knowing that God’s will was best that was the bedrock of Jesus’ life. Furthermore, a determination to do the Father’s will was firmly embedded into the fibers of his heart.
Holy Week was fraught with emotional highs and lows for Jesus. He walked this road for me and you. Jesus blazed a trail for us through the emotional humanity that is a natural part of life.
An Example to Follow
Consequently, when we are faced with overwhelming emotions and turbulent times we can seek Jesus. Find a way through by following the example of Jesus.
- Recognize the reality of the Father’s love for you.
- Know that the Father’s will is best for your life.
- Live a life of service.
- Offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving.
Dear friend, I do not profess to know the indescribable hurt that you many be facing, but I know one who has walked that path before you. Whether you are facing a grievous loss of a loved one or the bitter taste of betrayal there is One who who knows the pain you are feeling.
When you are faced with disappointment and hurt from others, Jesus understands. Are you facing frustrating situations with no reconciliation in sight? Jesus has trod the path before. Rejection and abandonment are not strangers to Jesus. He knows what you are going through. Jesus has faced emotional turmoil and came through victorious. As you walk through turbulent emotions in your own life during this Holy Week run to Jesus. Determine to do the will of the Father. He will hold you close and grant enabling strength for the next step.
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