Fans of Downton Abbey will be glad that the second series started last evening. The icing on the cake is that Maggie Smith, the matriarch of the Crawford family, won an Emmy award last night in Los Angeles. But we know that all that is fiction!
We all experience, in one way or another, the pleasures and pains of family life, and yet we sometimes wonder if anyone else might understand our own particular experiences. Our differences can seem to provide a reason why we are a special case. Our troubles can be isolating, which then accentuates them.
But the writer to the Jewish Christians, knows as 'Hebrews', tells us some amazing news.
He asserts that Jesus is both fully human and fully understanding of our trials and temptations. 'Therefore, it was necessary for Jesus to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.' (Hebrews 2.17-18)
Because Jesus has been tempted, in particular to go soft on his call to live and die as Messiah and Saviour, he can help us all today when we find the call to live like a member of the family demanding and difficult. We are all family together, and Jesus, our older brother, will help us. Great news.
Best wishes,
Richard
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