The Real Human Experience of Jesus

“And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:
God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.”
— 1 Timothy 3:16

Opening Thought

The gospel is unique in that it is not based on mythology. Mythological ideas can sometimes creep into our understanding of the cross of Christ.

For example, when Jesus cried out:

“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

we often search for hidden mystical explanations—as though God was punishing Him secretly.

In reality, Jesus spoke these words in the most vulnerable, fully human moment of His suffering. He truly felt abandoned, bearing the weight of death with no divine intervention to spare Him. Yet this feeling of abandonment never meant that God was unfaithful or had turned against Him.

1. The Humanity of Jesus at the Cross

• Suffering is part of the human experience, and tragedy often causes us to wonder where God is.
• Jesus experienced the full weight of human suffering—including the question, “Where is God?”
• In His suffering, He was perfected to be our High Priest.

2. Scripture Insights

A. Perfected as High Priest

“For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God…

Who in the days of his flesh… offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears…

Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered:

And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.”
— Hebrews 5:1–5

Jesus’s sufferings were not only for atonement but also part of His perfecting as our merciful High Priest.

B. Sharing in Our Humanity

“…Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same…

Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour (help) them that are tempted.“

— Hebrews 2:14, 17–18

“…We have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace…” — Hebrews 4:15–16

3. Jesus’s Agony Foretold

Jesus dreaded this hour of suffering:

“Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit…

Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour, but for this cause came I unto this hour.“

— John 12:24–27

4. Gethsemane: The Weight of the Hour

“And he began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy…

My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death…

Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.“

— Mark 14:32–42

• His friends fell asleep during His anguish.
• Judas betrayed Him to those who hated Him.
• He faced beating, humiliation, and crucifixion—fully aware that the Father’s protective hand was withdrawn.
• Yet through all this, He never sinned and never stopped trusting God.

5. The Purpose of His Suffering

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”
— Hebrews 12:2–4

The writer of Hebrews urges us to consider His endurance so that we will not grow weary or lose heart.

His cry, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” reflects true human agony, not divine abandonment.

6. The Apostolic Witness

The apostles preached the real human experience of Jesus, and the Holy Spirit confirmed it with power.

The mystery of godliness is that God was manifest in the flesh—not a hidden mystical act but a public suffering.

Jesus redeemed us by:

1. Suffering in His flesh and enduring human agony.
2. Offering His human body and blood for our salvation.
3. Becoming our merciful and faithful High Priest, able to sympathize with us.

Takeaway

Jesus did this for two reasons:

• He loved the Father.
• He loved us.

Let this truth anchor your faith—Jesus’s suffering was real, His humanity was full, and His love was unfailing.

Part One – The End of the Old Priesthood, A Devotional Study Guide

The Intersection of Two Priesthoods

“He taketh away the first, that He may establish the second.” — Hebrews 10:9

1. The False Accusations

Scripture Reading: Matthew 26:59–61; John 2:19

On the night Jesus was betrayed, history shifted in a quiet courtroom.
Before the high priest Caiaphas stood the very One who would fulfill the Law and open a new way to God. As the false accusations flew, the old order of sacrifices and priestly rituals was about to give way to something far greater—the perfect High Priest who would offer Himself as the final sacrifice for sin.

Christ stood silent before earthly priests so that we might boldly approach the throne of grace.

Reflection Questions:

• When have you seen God’s words misunderstood or misrepresented?
• How does Jesus’ composure encourage you when you are misjudged?

2. The High Priest’s Demand

Scripture Reading: Matthew 26:62–63

Caiaphas demanded under oath that Jesus declare whether He was the Christ, the Son of God. Under the Law of Moses (Leviticus 5:1), the high priest had the authority to require a witness to speak truthfully.

Key Point:
Even when pressured unjustly, Jesus spoke truthfully and fearlessly, affirming His divine identity.

3. Jesus’ Declaration of His Authority

Scripture Reading: Matthew 26:64

Jesus replied:

“Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.”

This was unmistakable Messianic language (Psalm 110:1; Daniel 7:13–14).
In that moment, Jesus publicly declared Himself as the Messiah, the Son of God, and the rightful King.

Reflection Question:

• What does it mean for you personally that Jesus sits at the right hand of power today?

4. The Tearing of the Garments

Scripture Reading: Matthew 26:65; Leviticus 21:10

The earthly high priest unknowingly acknowledged the arrival of the true High Priest—Jesus Christ.

The Act:

Caiaphas tore his priestly robes in outrage.

The Law:

The high priest was forbidden to tear his garments.

Doing so was considered an act of disqualification (Leviticus 10:6; 21:10).

The Symbolism:

By tearing his robe in the presence of Jesus, Caiaphas nullified his own priesthood.

Key Insight:

The earthly high priest unknowingly acknowledged the arrival of the true High Priest—Jesus Christ.

5. The Greater High Priest

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 7:23–27; 9:11–14

Jesus stood as both the Lamb of God to be sacrificed and the High Priest who would offer the sacrifice.
The old covenant priesthood was passing away; a new and better covenant was being established.

Reflection Question:

• How does it strengthen your faith to know that Jesus Himself intercedes for you today as your High Priest?

Takeaway Verses for Meditation

Hebrews 4:14–16 – Our compassionate High Priest invites us to draw near.

Hebrews 10:11–14 – Jesus’ one sacrifice makes us perfect forever.

John 1:29 – “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”

Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt. ~ Exodus 22:21

Do not oppress a foreigner; you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners, because you were foreigners in Egypt. ~ Exodus 23:9

Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the foreigners. I am the Lord your God. ~ Leviticus 19:10

When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God. ~ Leviticus 19:33 -34

When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and for the foreigner residing among you. I am the Lord your God. ~ Leviticus 23:22

Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer. For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt. ~ Deuteronomy 10:16-19

And do not neglect the Levites living in your towns, for they have no allotment or inheritance of their own. At the end of every three years, bring all the tithes of that year’s produce and store it in your towns, so that the Levites (who have no allotment or inheritance of their own) and the foreigners, the fatherless and the widows who live in your towns may come and eat and be satisfied, and so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. ~ Deuteronomy 14:27-29

Count off seven weeks from the time you begin to put the sickle to the standing grain. Then celebrate the Festival of Weeks to the Lord your God by giving a freewill offering in proportion to the blessings the Lord your God has given you. And rejoice before the Lord your God at the place he will choose as a dwelling for his Name—you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, the Levites in your towns, and the foreigners, the fatherless and the widows living among you. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt, and follow carefully these decrees. ~ Deuteronomy 16:9-12

Do not deprive the foreigner or the fatherless of justice, or take the cloak of the widow as a pledge. ~ Deuteronomy 24:17 

Cursed is anyone who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow. Then all the people shall say, “Amen! ~ Deuteronomy 27:19

When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. When you beat the olives from your trees, do not go over the branches a second time. Leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow. When you harvest the grapes in your vineyard, do not go over the vines again. Leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt. That is why I command you to do this. ~ Deuteronomy 24:19-22

When you have finished setting aside a tenth of all your produce in the third year, the year of the tithe, you shall give it to the Levite, the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, so that they may eat in your towns and be satisfied. Then say to the Lord your God: “I have removed from my house the sacred portion and have given it to the Levite, the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, according to all you commanded. I have not turned aside from your commands nor have I forgotten any of them. ~ Deuteronomy 26:12-13

At this, she bowed down with her face to the ground. She asked him, “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?” ~ Ruth 2:10 

As for the foreigner who does not belong to your people Israel but has come from a distant land because of your name— for they will hear of your great name and your mighty hand and your outstretched arm—when they come and pray toward this temple, then hear from heaven, your dwelling place. Do whatever the foreigner asks of you, so that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as do your own people Israel, and may know that this house I have built bears your Name. ~ 1 Kings 8:41-43

As for the foreigner who does not belong to your people Israel but has come from a distant land because of your great name and your mighty hand and your outstretched arm—when they come and pray toward this temple, then hear from heaven, your dwelling place. Do whatever the foreigner asks of you, so that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as do your own people Israel, and may know that this house I have built bears your Name. ~ 2 Chronicles 6:32-33

The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked. ~ Psalm 146:9 

If you really change your ways and your actions and deal with each other justly, if you do not oppress the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow and do not shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not follow other gods to your own harm, then I will let you live in this place, in the land I gave your ancestors for ever and ever. ~ Jeremiah 7:5-7

This is what the Lord says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor, the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place.  Jeremiah 22:3

And the word of the Lord came again to Zechariah: “This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.’ ~ Zechariah 7:8-10

“So I will come to put you on trial. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive the foreigners among you of justice, but do not fear me,” says the Lord Almighty. ~ Malachi 3:5

I recommend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea, that you receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and that you help her in whatever matter she may have need of you; for she herself has also been a helper of many, and of myself as well. ~ Romans 16:1-2 

The Berean Study Bible points out the following about Paul’s formal recommendation of Phoebe.

I commend to you: This phrase indicates a formal introduction or recommendation. In the ancient world, letters of commendation were common for travelers, especially within the early Christian community, to ensure they were received with hospitality and trust. Paul often used such commendations to vouch for the character and mission of individuals. 

The Pulpit Commentary says, This Phoebe was probably the bearer of the Epistle. She appears to have had business, perhaps of a legal kind, that took her to Rome; and St. Paul took advantage of her going to send the letter by her, desiring also to enlist the aid of her fellow-Christians at Rome in furtherance of her business, whatever it might be.

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers states, As the Roman Church is especially exhorted to receive Phebe, it has been inferred that she was one of the party to which St. Paul entrusted his Epistle, if not the actual bearer of it herself…

Benson Commentary says, I commend — Rather, recommend; unto you — That is, To your love and assistance; Phebe our sister — The bearer of this letter; a servant — Or deaconess, as the Greek word signifies; of the church at Cenchrea

Being entrusted to carry and deliver such a letter meant that Phoebe was likely the one who also read it to the believers in Rome, as this was a common practice in the first century. The bearer of the letter would read it aloud to the recipient. Thus, the original audience which heard what you and I know as the book of Romans, most likely heard it from the mouth of a woman, Phoebe.

Being entrusted with delivering and reading this letter also meant that Phoebe must have been trusted by Paul as capable of answering any questions the people might have had as to what Paul meant in any particular part of the letter.

Phoebe must have been a woman of great understanding of God’s Word, for Paul’s letter to the Romans is possibly the greatest theological composition that has ever been written. Paul would not have entrusted the delivery of this letter with just anyone, it had to be someone of Phoebe’s qualifications.

The word servant, referring to Phoebe as a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea, comes from the Greek word is diakonos, meaning, servant, minister, deacon. For this reason some Bible translations employ the word deaconess, and commentaries also point out that Phoebe was indeed a deaconess.

This Greek word is diakonos, is the same word that is used by Paul in 1 Timothy 3:8 and 12 where he gives the qualifications for a deacon.

One of the arguments that is made against women in ministry, especially as leaders, is the terminology used by Paul that bishops and deacons must be the husband of one wife.

A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach… ~ 1 Timothy 3:5

Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. ~ 1 Timothy 3:12

Those who refer to these texts as prohibitions against women in leadership positions in ministry contend that the qualification of husbands of one wife means that such callings in ministry are limited, and only apply to men.

However, there are significant problems with such interpretations. The most glaring problem is that this interpretation would eliminate men who are single or who are widowers. It would also eliminate men who are married but do not have children at home. In addition it would eliminate men who for health reasons cannot father children, or men married to women who for health reasons could not bear children.

We would do well to follow Paul’s instructions for bishops and deacons as a guide for wisdom regarding who should be in leadership rather than treating with iron clad interpretations.

In Paul’s letter to Timothy, Paul is specifically addressing some of the issues among the lay people within the church, as the cult of Artemis had affected much of the culture and society in Ephesus where Timothy was ministering.

In particular, the women there needed to be taught correctly in the ways of the Lord in contrast to the indoctrination of the Artemis cult. They did not need to be in positions of leadership and teachings. Understanding this background would help us better understand Paul’s directive to Timothy that the women should not not be permitted to teach in contrast to Paul’s endorsements of women in ministry elsewhere. It would also help us better understand the qualifications that Paul places on men for serving as bishops and deacons. The qualifications were not meant to convey the thought that only men could be in leadership positions, as Phoebe, who was a deaconess dispels such claims.

The very fact that Phoebe served in the office of deaconess ought to be an indicator to us that Paul is not giving ironclad rules which would eliminate women from such honorable roles in ministry.

I recommend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant (a deaconess) of the church which is at Cenchrea, that you receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and that you help her in whatever matter she may have need of you; for she herself has also been a helper of many, and of myself as well. ~ Romans 16:1-2 

There has only ever been one nation that God chose to be a theocracy, and that was the nation of Israel under the Old Testament. God has never called another physical nation as a theocracy he sanctioned, and he never will. What christian nationalists fail to communicate to their followers is that God was the one who chose Israel to be a theocracy. Neither Moses nor any other Israelite made that decision.

Man cannot choose to have a theocracy in the Name of the One true God, because by definition, it is already corrupted if it originates with man. In God’s theocracy over Israel, it was God who started the theocracy, and it was God who ended it when Jesus died and rose again, which brings me to my next point.

The death and resurrection of Jesus was the end of Israel’s hope of ever rising to be a great theocracy again as it once had been under King David and King Solomon. The quest to Make Israel Great Again was what so many of the people were hoping for the day that Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on the colt of a donkey. The crowds were crying “Hosanna” which means Lord Save now! Yet too many of them were looking for Jesus to save them as a nation from the Romans. Before the end of the week, the sentiment went from “Hosanna” to “crucify him.”

Jesus did not come to establish a theocracy, he came to end the only one God ever sanctioned, because God’s Kingdom is not about one nation that God honors above all other people, God’s Kingdom is about redemption and salvation for all people.

And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God a kingdom of priests: and we shall reign on the earth. ~ Revelation 5:9-10

God’s people are a kingdom of priests from every nation and together they a holy nation in the Lord.

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light… ~ 1 Peter 2:9

When Jesus stood before Pilate he said, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. ~ John 18:36

Those who belong to God’s Kingdom in Christ (the holy nation) are strangers and pilgrims in this world.

Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul… ~ 1 Peter 2:11

For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ… ~ Philippians 3:18-20

Christian nationalism makes a person an enemy of the cross of Christ because it doesn’t afford the same grace to the outsider as it does for those within the group. Thus christian nationalism becomes a breeding ground for groups like the KKK who think they are christians, even though they are enemies of the cross of Christ.

True Christians (Christ followers) are called to be ambassadors for Christ in this world and are never taught to take over and dominate. We represent another Kingdom, one from above and not from beneath. Thus we are not struggling for dominance over others.

The only theocracy that God ever ordained was given its law personally by God through Moses. If any law is created by man for a theocracy, it ceases to be a theocracy from God. Those who want to turn the United States into a Christian theocracy think that Donald Trump is a God appointed leader, for good. All the while, they themselves act like the false prophets who told the wicked Kings in the Old Testament what they wanted to hear. They fail to hold Trump accountable because Trump, not Christ, reflects their values and their character.

The truth is, they are spiritually in bed with him. They are spiritual adulterers who stand behind Trump’s cruelty while the poor and oppressed are crushed. Christian nationalists stand in support of mass deportations of immigrants, while the only theocracy that God ever ordained commanded Israel’s tithe be given to help feed the foreigners among them.

At the end of every three years, bring all the tithes of that year’s produce and store it in your towns, so that the Levites (who have no allotment or inheritance of their own) and the foreigners, the fatherless and the widows who live in your towns may come and eat and be satisfied, and so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. ~ Deuteronomy 14:28-29

When you have finished setting aside a tenth of all your produce in the third year, the year of the tithe, you shall give it to the Levite, the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, so that they may eat in your towns and be satisfied. Then say to the Lord your God: “I have removed from my house the sacred portion and have given it to the Levite, the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, according to all you commanded. I have not turned aside from your commands nor have I forgotten any of them. ~ Deuteronomy 26:12-13

The only theocracy that God ever sanctioned was commanded to give to the foreigner and not to forget them. Christian nationalist do not understand God’s heart for foreigners. They do not understand that God loves the foreigner.

Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer. For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt. ~ Deuteronomy 10:16-19

Under Donald Trump foreigners are being snatched up from the streets and given no due process, and some may never be seen again by their family and friends. And christian nationalists cheer it on in the name of securing our boarders. Such wickedness is not loving the foreigner.

Donald Trump’s hatred and cruelty towards foreigners, especially those of brown skin, is what christian nationalist want and have chosen for their christian theocracy. 

Jesus made it clear that his Kingdom is not of this world. It never has been, and never will be until the Lord comes. Until then, we should not be seeking to establish a christian theocracy, which is only a facade for advancing our hatred and bigotry. Instead, we should seek to represent Christ’s Kingdom as humble ambassadors for Christ, loving our neighbors as ourselves.

You cannot have a true christian theocracy, approved by God, under the covenant of grace. God has already established his Kingdom in Christ and he works by his Holy Spirit through the redeemed who are from all nations. A Christian theocracy is antithetical to the finished work of Christ and the ministry of the Holy Spirit of God. 

This is why christian nationalism is so dangerous. Christian nationalism is the precursor to authoritarianism because it preys on the carnal impulses of christians who are not seasoned in grace. Christian nationalism appeals to the flesh and seduces those who are unskilled in the word of righteousness. Christian nationalism makes you an enemy of the cross of Christ because it stirs you to culture wars and hate towards others for whom Jesus died.