When we envision Jesus Christ in the Gospels, the images that commonly arise are those of His divine compassion and miraculous works—He heals the sick, calms the storms, and raises the dead. Yet, in His role as God incarnate, Jesus was not only divine but also profoundly human, experiencing and modeling the full range of human emotions and struggles.
Jesus’ Human Moments
In an enlightening passage from the Gospel of Mark, starting in chapter 7, we encounter a series of moments that reveal a side of Jesus that might seem at odds with the serene and omnipotent Messiah often portrayed. He uses strong language with a Syrophoenician woman, expressing frustration (Mark 7:24-30), shows signs of exasperation (Mark 7:34, 8:11-13), and visibly grapples with the misunderstandings and limitations of His disciples (Mark 8:14-21). Perhaps most revealing is when He questions His followers, asking, “Who do people say that I am?” (Mark 8:27). This question may hint at a moment of personal reflection or uncertainty about how His message was being received.
Understanding Jesus’ Humanity
These instances are seldom highlighted in sermons or traditional teachings, but they offer a critical insight into the nature of Christ’s mission and His experience on earth. They prompt us to consider, if this is how God manifested in human form, what does it tell us about God—or about ourselves?
The early parts of Mark also delve into the challenges Jesus faced due to His growing fame. Crowds sought Him relentlessly, not just for His teachings but for miracles and healings, complicating His efforts to spread His message. Such pressures would be immense for anyone, divine mission or not.
When He retreats to Tyre, perhaps seeking a moment of respite, He encounters a woman who pushes past cultural and societal boundaries to seek help for her daughter. His initial response, referring to her as a dog, is jarring, yet it sets the stage for a profound teaching moment about faith and grace beyond the Jewish community.
The Challenge of Recognizing Our Biases
This portrayal of Jesus challenges us to reflect on our own biases and the less admirable parts of ourselves. Like Jesus, who was raised in a specific cultural context with its inherent prejudices, we too are products of our environments, which shape our perceptions and reactions. Recognizing our biases, as Jesus did, is a step toward overcoming them and growing in grace.
Finding Comfort in Jesus’ Struggles
Moreover, seeing Jesus experience frustration, stress, and doubt makes Him more relatable. It reminds us that feeling overwhelmed or questioning one’s path isn’t a failure but a part of the human experience. Hebrews 5:8 tells us Jesus “learned obedience from what he suffered,” suggesting that His earthly journey was also one of personal growth and refinement.
Conclusion: Embracing Our Human Journey
The humanity of Jesus provides us with a profound comfort. It allows us to be more forgiving of our imperfections and more receptive to God’s grace. Knowing that even Jesus had moments where He was “knocked off His game” helps us accept our struggles with compassion and patience. As we navigate our own journeys, we can take heart that Jesus, too, walked a challenging path, teaching us that through vulnerability and humility, we can draw closer to the divine.
