Matthew 5:5
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Luke 2:52
And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.
Jesus grew in favor with man. We read in the Gospels that Jesus knew what was in man. He understood their motives and their passions. This is why He came to the earth. The experiences of the flesh are temporary and fleeting. Our flesh is born and dies, but the soul lives on in either torment or glory. But Jesus, as He walked the earth, felt the weight of a limited life and then joined with others, walking through life with them.
He ate with them.
It is amazing how often food is part of the social fabric of our world. My granddaughters have some food allergies, so we have to choose carefully what we have available to them. Where family celebrations were all about the food, now they are about the company. We strive to tell stories and get to know each other. There is laughter and lesson teaching that happens throughout their visit. Yes, we do eat, but it is not really about the food. Our focus is on relationships.
He knows them.
Jesus looks at the heart. When someone willfully chooses sin, He recognizes that they are making the choice for reasons that are not always clear. Many have not been taught right from wrong. Some are trapped by a life of addiction or mental illness which controls their choices. Others are simply rebellious and self-centered. How we confront and help will change as we get to know others and what is inspiring their behaviors. Too often those serving those in poverty will make snap judgements because we know someone just like them. Weirdly, there are no two people exactly alike.
He feels their pain.
Many years ago now, a friend of mine was having back pain and asked me to pray for him. Technically, I did just that. But recently I had some back pain of my own. Suddenly, I realized that I really had not prayed for him. If I had really understood his pain, I would have passionately prayed with sweat and blood. Jesus feels our pain. He felt the feeling of rejection from His family. His heart likely hurt when His words are twisted for selfish gain.
He lives the daily life with them.
Every day we see people. How many do we simply pass by and only faintly acknowledge? What would happen if we began to greet and meet everyone we see like a politician, only one that really cares and wants to get to know people?
He loves them.
Do you know that Jesus really, really loves you? He does, and He longs to spend eternity with You. He sacrificed comfort and simplicity to step into the messy life of our world. He does that for you, so you can be a beacon of light and hope to others.
