“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” – John 1:14. This verse makes me think of a quote by C.S. Lewis, “The son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God.” Do you ever just think about Jesus living here on earth? That he lived a life just as you and I? I think sometimes we tend to think he just bounced from one miracle to the next and that everyday was a bible story. Imagine all those ordinary days. Jesus was a carpenter. He was used to fixing old things and making new things with his hands. He was likely quite used to using nails. Perhaps he thought about his death on those ordinary days while he was working. Perhaps every single time he hit a nail into the wood, he was preparing himself to be nailed to the cross so that he could fix us and make us new.
A great deal of love was expressed in the life that Jesus lived. We often just consider his death, forgetting the life that he lived fully dedicated to, and knowingly, as a sacrifice. An entirely righteous life so that he could be the perfect sacrifice for us. “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every aspect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” – Hebrews 4:15. Yet his love did not waver. He knew what he had to do for us and was prepared to do it. Paying a debt he didn’t owe because we owed a debt we could not pay. It takes my breath away no matter how many times I think of it. I am encouraged by this. That Jesus knows all of the little aspects that life brings, good and bad. God supplied him the strength to get through it and he promises us that he will do the same. I hope you are encouraged as well and reminded of how the bible does not short us in reasons to feel loved and completely wrapped up in his arms.