“In our shoes”
By Rev. Michael Stonhouse
Quiet Time – Wednesday, January 12, 2022
Hebrews 2:11-18 (Forward, p. 75) CEV p. 1260
Recently I read a quote that suggested that we can’t always walk in someone else’s shoes—because we have different sized feet—but we can always walk alongside them. This is to suggest that our own life situations and experiences will never be exactly the same as those belonging to another person.
But here is where Jesus is different, and unique. He has actually worn our shoes and entered into our experiences and situations, even those that are uniquely our own. This is exactly the sort of thing that today’s passage from Hebrews addresses.
He begins by saying that all of us who are saved are now God’s children and are together part of Jesus’ family. But more than that, it tells us that Jesus took on our own nature, our own flesh and blood, and so became one of us. He lived, and died, so that He could help us. He did this by means of His death. By dying, Jesus destroyed the devil, who had power over death, and by dying Himself, was able to rescue all of us who live in fear of dying. He was like onto the High Priest of the old covenant who offered sacrifices for the forgiveness of sins, but in this case, offered Himself as a total and fully adequate sacrifice for all time. And what is more, because He Himself has been tempted (in every way, as we are later told), He is able to help all of us who are tempted.
The first time that I realized the full extent of what this means, I was ‘blown away.’ To think that there is nothing that we experience, that Jesus has not already experienced, and no temptation that He has not known firsthand. Yes, He has experienced all of this, but without faltering or failing or sinning. And, to do so, equipped only with the resources that we have at our disposal. (Remember: He emptied Himself of all His divine capabilities and powers, in order to be more fully ‘like us’—see Philippians 2:7). And so, all that He could depend upon was the Father and the power of the Spirit, just like us. And so, fully, truly, He understands. And fully, truly, He was in our shoes. And so, we can always go to Him for help, knowing that He can help us as can no other in all of creation. Amen.
Forward notes: “Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested” (verse 18).
“I believe our journeys and testimonies are meant to be shared. They shape us into who we are, and our shared stories can also help heal or offer a guide map for others who walk similar journeys. When we are open to offering our testimony, we can help others.
“I remember being terribly ashamed to tell folks that I had two children by two different fathers and was not currently in a relationship with either of them. I felt like people could see an illuminated sign on my chest that indicated I was a terrible mom and partner. Little did I know that my own story was less unique than I had imagined. Others shared similar stories after I gave my testimony at a women’s retreat. Not only did I find a large community of support, but I also moved out of suffering toward healing. What would happen if we gave up our fear of telling our story?”
Moving Forward: “What story can you tell to help others?
