The Loop

I read a book years ago about Jesus as a child. It was a fictional book since we know little about Jesus’ childhood, but it did a beautiful job of explaining how Jesus, God with us, was sinless, but he wasn’t perfect. The idea that Jesus wasn’t perfect was, and at times still is, hard for me to wrap my head around. 

One of the stories in this book was about how Jesus was learning from his father Joseph how to do carpentry. And Jesus didn’t make a good table. I struggled with how being sinless is not the same as being perfect. Realizing that Jesus could still make mistakes made Him more real to me. He understands when I try hard on something and it doesn’t turn out the way I wanted. 

As Easter draws near, our thoughts naturally turn to the cross, the empty tomb, and the miracle of resurrection. For those of us in the Christian faith, these symbols are so lofty and revered. But before the triumph of these symbols, there was pain. Before the glory, there was suffering. And at the center of it all is Jesus—not just the Son of God, but the Son of Man. Fully divine, yes. But also fully human.

He worked with His hands. He got tired. He wept. He sweated. He was misunderstood by His family, rejected by friends, and betrayed by one of His closest companions. He felt the sting of loneliness, the weight of anticipation, and the crushing pressure of knowing what lay ahead. Jesus felt everything we felt as he dwelled among us (John 1:14). 

There are times when I get frustrated reading my Bible - why aren’t there more details?! Can I not have more of a glimpse into what Jesus was feeling, experiencing, and wanting? Maybe that’s the English major in me, but don’t you want to know more? How did Jesus act when the disciples were driving him crazy? How did he act when he was hot and tired and his feet were covered in blisters? Do you think he got tired of eating fish or did he have to worry about how to wash his tunics?

Jesus made real, human choices every day. He wrestled with what to do and say so his disciples and fellow Jews would understand. One of the times we see him wrestling is in Gethsemane with what was coming, even asking the Father if the cup of suffering could pass (Luke 22:42). He knew the right choice, but still He wanted another option. (How many of us have felt the same way - we know what we need to do but we want any other option). 

Just sit with that a moment - he chose the cross and the corresponding pain. AND he did it willingly. None of us would willingly choose to have a nail put through our palm (and there’s no way I wouldn’t complain and cry and try to bargain my way out). And that pain of the nail is little to what Jesus suffered. 

He felt what we feel, though He could have walked away—He didn’t AND He didn’t sin. He didn’t retaliate in hate. He didn’t lie, cheat, or give in to pride. He faced every temptation we do, yet remained pure.

Why? Because He loves us.

This Easter, let’s not rush past the humanity of Jesus. Let’s sit with it. Let it sink in that He didn’t take the easy way out. He walked the hard road so that we wouldn't have to walk it alone. He carried the cross so we could carry hope. He was wounded so we could be healed.

 Jesus didn't just die for us—He lived with us. And He chose us, every step of the way.

Where are you in your faith journey? We want to help you experience the love of Jesus and fall in love with Him. Join us this Sunday, April 20 at 9 AM or 11 AM.

EASTER WITH KINGSWAY

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