And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Romans 5:3-5 NKJV

There is nothing we go through that Jesus does not understand. He had firsthand experience of it all. If you’ve ever felt God has abandoned you and felt forsaken by God, remember Jesus didn’t only feel forsaken He was actually forsaken – “Eloi! Eloi!! Lama saba thani. My God! My God!! Why has thou forsaken me?” He was abandoned by His closest associates, denied by His most loyal and trusted friends. He was abandoned by people He had helped.

Where was the centurion whose servant was healed? Where was the woman healed of the issue of blood? Where was the family of the man born blind? Where was Mary Magdalene from whom seven demons were cast? Martha, Mary and Lazarus, who was raised from the dead? Where was Jairus, the priest whose daughter was healed? Where was Susana and they of the house of Herod, or the widow whose only child was brought back to life? Where were the thousands that were fed, those who witnessed and benefitted from the ministry of Jesus?

Talking about being forsaken and abandoned, denied and mocked, talking about being used, abused and rejected, He experienced it all.

But as bleak as it seemed while it was happening, there was a pleasant end to it all.

To be continued…