Jesus Understands

Hebrews 4:14–16

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. 

What causes you to be anxious, depressed, or feel lonely? It was not too long ago when most children and teens would not resonate with these descriptors. Unfortunately, in our post-pandemic, social media infused society, anxiety, depression, and loneliness is on the rise in our children, teens, and adults.

Sitting in a doctor’s office waiting for a test result is a lonely experience that can be rife with anxious thoughts, however the doctor’s demeanor, tone, and answer can alleviate those feelings in a matter of moments with a hopeful response. What are we supposed to do when we have these feelings throughout the course of a normal day? When there is no reason to have them, no impending report, just a nagging, almost sickening sensation deep in our chest, where are we to turn?

Consider this Holy Week, the events that transpired in the life of Christ the week leading up to his crucifixion. What emotions, feelings, and thoughts were swirling around in his head? How did Jesus cope with anxiety, depression, and loneliness? 

So, you might be hung up on my explicit statement that Jesus had anxious, depressed, and lonely thoughts. Some might even be offended by that implication. Jesus was human, was he not? Anxiety, depression, anger, loneliness, fear, happiness, joy, love, etc. are emotional responses that all humans experience in some way or another. 

    “But isn’t it a sin to be anxious or depressed?” It is unfortunate that some have used the Bible or the pulpit to make harsh statements that have characterized certain emotional responses as sin, to the point that it has caused a sense of guilt and shame that has pushed people deeper into their affliction. Anxiety, depression, and loneliness can in fact become a sinful state of mind or be the result of holding on to sin in your life, but that is for a separate lesson. Understanding our emotional state, the severity of it, and the process we go through can help us determine how to handle them. 

If you are having a hard time understanding your emotions, I encourage you to invite someone into your process. You may need to talk to a Christian Counselor or therapist to help understand what is going on. There is no shame in seeking help. When our thought processes go unchecked, they can develop into something bigger than we can handle ourselves, and we need Christian brothers and sisters to help carry our burdens (Galatians 6:2).

    Jesus is human, and he lived his earthly life as any man would. Jesus was misunderstood, mocked, rejected, betrayed, and disappointed. Jesus experienced loneliness, grief, poverty, and tempted yet he did not sin. Jesus stated to his disciples, “my soul is very sorrowful, even to death” (Matt. 26:38). Jesus anxiously cried out three times to the Father, “if it is possible, let this cup pass from me” (Matt. 26:39, 42, 44). In all these things, Jesus did not give in to sin and allow human emotions to overcome him. He remained faithful to his calling, and he obeyed the Father, “your will be done” (Matt. 26:42).  

    The human body will process traumatic experiences by releasing different hormones to help cope with the stress. When these hormones are released, they cause the body and mind to sense different feelings and emotions. Sometimes it will be exhaustion, an acute sense of loneliness, anxiety, depression, and so on. Jesus is human, and his body produced adrenaline, which mean he experienced the adrenaline crash (consider the story of Elijah on Mt Carmel 1 Kings 18ff). 

    This is why the author of Hebrews says we have a great high priest in Jesus Christ who can sympathize with our struggles. He endured through the most difficult of trials to become the perfect sacrifice for you and me. Because he understands the human condition, he understands when you bring your fears, anxiety, depression, and loneliness to him. He wants you to come boldly to his throne of judgement to receive his wrath? No…his throne of grace so that you can receive mercy in your time of need. 

As we approach Good Friday and Easter Sunday, I want you to know that Jesus understands you. He knows the human struggles. He knows your pain, your loneliness, your grief, your depression, and he loves you. He went through it and has come out victorious, so that you too can be victorious. 

Some practical things you can do when you have these emotions is to start by recognizing your physical body and meeting your physical needs. When is the last time you had a good night’s sleep? Do you need to set some time aside to take an uninterrupted nap? How is your diet? Have you been eating healthy or unhealthy foods? When is the last time you exercised? It’s not like you need to do a HIIT method, just go for a walk regularly, a hike, bike ride, or play a sport. These will help bring your body back into rhythm.

Remember what Jesus went through by reflecting on these verses. Talk to Jesus about them and how you are processing them. It is super helpful to recognize that you are not alone in these feelings, how much more to know that the Son of God understands them too. Memorizing the Word of God is a powerful tool to help your mind process difficult emotions. 

Jesus would often go off to pray. Developing a prayer routine will help you invite God into your process. Remember he knows you better than you know yourself. Consider praying Psalm 139:23-24. While you look it up, meditate on the whole psalm. Consider Psalm 103 or pray a lament like Psalm 13. 

Invite others into your process. Jesus invited the disciples to go and pray with him, and even gave them a charge to pray with him. You do not have to battle these feelings alone. Invite godly friends, mentors, pastors, or trained counselors to help you. The earlier you begin the conversation the better. The longer you hold on to the feelings internally the harder it will be to begin the conversation, but once you do you will be blessed. Again, if you have had persistent anxiety or depression, you may want to talk to your pastor or seek a Christian counselor soon. 

Celebrate the good things God has done in your life. Remember his faithfulness to his Word. 

Whether you are facing a test, a health issue, a relational issue, or just struggling on a normal Wednesday, Jesus understands. He can sympathize with your feelings and he loves you. Picture it like sitting in Doctor’s office waiting for the test result, full of anxiety, fear, depression, and loneliness. Jesus walks in with a smile on his face, a soft but strong tone to his voice, and an arm around your shoulder saying, “everything is going to be ok.” All it takes is a little encouragement for our feelings to dissipate. Jesus is a big God, and he can handle the big stuff. Trust him.