Above: Temptations of Jesus, from St. Mark’s, Venice
Jesus, Who Identifies With Us
Since therefore the children share in the flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same nature, that through death he might destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong bondage. For surely it is not with angels that he is concerned but with the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brethren in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make expiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered and been tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.
the promise he made for a thousand generations;
Above: Ruins of Capernaum
Below: A Map of Galilee During Roman Times
If you have been paying sufficient attention to certain details, you have noticed that the readings from Mark and Hebrews have been sequential; one follows another according to chapter and verse. Much of the value of a lectionary resides in this pattern. I find more value in following a lectionary by identifying common threads in different readings assigned for the same day. Among the greatest errors in biblical interpretation is reading a text outside of context, literary or historical.
Parts of the readings for this day, although prose by form, are more like poetry. They communicate great truth without containing historical and scientific accuracy. Writing from the context of 2010, I know the biological and psychosocial causes and contributing factors of physical diseases and mental illnesses. Demonic possession is not among them. Remember though, that the people of Jesus’ day had no way of knowing what I do. They did the best with what they had. And Jesus worked within that context.
Our Lord and Savior cared deeply for people, with whom he identified. Indeed, as the author of Hebrews informs us, Jesus is able to help us through temptation because he knows how powerful that force is. Temptation is a mighty force. You know this at least as well as I do. It is important, I think, to know the difference between the imperative to ask forgiveness and to repent and the unhelpful practice of being unduly self-critical. We are all broken; God knows this. We need to recognize our brokenness, take it to Jesus, and leave it there. Beating up on ourselves, literally or spiritually, accomplishes no good purpose.
I have known powerful and deep anger. My cause has been just, and the actions of my foes have been perfidious in consequences, if not intentions. (I have insufficient information to evaluate their intentions, but the consequences of their actions are obvious to me.) I have learned also that even righteous anger is too heavy a burden to carry for long. My burden is fading away, by grace. In time, it will cease to exist, also by grace. My sin (which continues as I write this devotional) is not having forgiven my foes, who will remain unnamed in this post. I am weak; Jesus is strong. Jesus can cast out my figurative demons of rage at injustice and of any desire to cling to righteous indignation. That power is my only hope.
http://blogatheologica.wordpress.com/2011/12/31/jesus-who-identifies-with-us/
Tagged with Anger, Hebrews 2, Mark 1, Psalm 105, Temptation of Jesus