Since we, God’s children, are human beings—made of flesh and blood—he became flesh and blood too by being born in human form; for only as a human being could he die and in dying break the power of the devil who had the power of death. Only in that way could he deliver those who through fear of death have been living all their lives as slaves to constant dread.
We all know he did not come as an angel but as a human being—yes, a Jew. And it was necessary for Jesus to be like us, his brothers, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God, a Priest who would be both merciful to us and faithful to God in dealing with the sins of the people. For since he himself has now been through suffering and temptation, he knows what it is like when we suffer and are tempted, and he is wonderfully able to help us. Hebrews 2:14-18 (Living Bible)
Did Jesus experience fear? Yes, I am sure that he did. He took on life as a human being, and therefore, took on the fullness of humanity. This included all of the human emotions – sadness, anger, hurt, joy, fear, etc. Jesus had voluntarily given up control of certain situations where he could have simply commanded a certain response, and it would have happened. The man who could raise the dead, walk on water, cure the sick, and feed 5,000 people with a few fish and loaves could do anything he chose.
But he willingly gave up control in the end so that he could suffer and die at the hands of the Romans and the ruling Jewish leaders. So, yes, Jesus got angry at injustice and the callous treatment of the poor and oppressed. He became angry at the money changers in the temple who had turned that place of worship into a profit center. And I am guessing that in the Garden of Gethsemane the night before his crucifixion, he was anxious and afraid. He had even asked the Father if that cup of suffering he was facing could be avoided, knowing that it could not.
There are many instances of Jesus experiencing the true emotions of humans, because he became one of us. During this Lenten season, I am reflecting more on how Jesus loved us to the point of joining us here on Earth in all that we do. He had joy, sadness, fear, anger, disappointment, frustration, hope and overwhelming love.
Something to ponder as we approach Good Friday and Easter, my friends.
Prayer: Lord, help us to have more perspective on a love that gave all for us, Amen
Reflections of a Counselor 