Perrydox.com is devoted to the pursuit of truth, whether plain or paradoxical, whether simple or sublime, or simply absurd yet absolute.
A Young Man Dies
A Young Man Dies
He died rather young, but as an adult. He was bullied and verbally abused which led to his demise. His family thought he had a mental illness. Others still do. He had friends, but when he needed them, they failed him. In the end he chose to die.
This is a story all too common. But this story is uncommon. His being mistreated by friends, family, and bullies did lead to his death, but is not why he chose to die. This man’s death was not as a victim. This man’s death was for all those who share that common story, and for those who inflicted the pain. I tell the story of Jesus this way, not to trivialize, not to imply it was suicide, but to make a greater point – Jesus knows our suffering.
“Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.” (NASU Hebrews 2:17-18)
What was one solution Jesus had that we can share? He knew he was not alone, his purpose on earth, where he was going, and who he loved:
“Before the Passover Festival, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.” (CSB’17 John 13:1)
In many ways, Jesus’s story is my story too. Is it yours? Never think we are alone. Not only did Jesus endure pain like ours, so has most, if not everyone. That’s why Jesus’s story is not just powerful; it is personal. If so, allow it to be not just personal, but powerful for you.
Comments