Two of us that helped with David’s funeral went to see the North family Sunday. I can’t imagine the emotional roller coaster the first week after the loss of a child. Pam and Chris shared some of this journey with a firm knowledge that they could not make it without the supernatural peace God gives his children… that peace that passes all understanding. In the conversation, I made a comment that sounded a little strange to my own ears. “The one thing I was most glad about when sharing at the funeral was that I had cancer.” Chris seemed to know what I meant as he replied, “Yeah… you spoke with authority.”
Of course I am not an authority on cancer, but when you speak from experience, there is an added dimension. I would much rather listen to parenting advice from a husband and wife who love each other and have successfully raised children than from a self-proclaimed expert with a dozen degrees and a hundred theories… but no children.
“When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.” The people noticed something different about this Rabbi from Nazareth. His words went beyond ‘book knowledge.’ Jesus walked humbly with the authority his Father gave him and he felt no need to justify himself. “By what authority are you doing these things?” his critics asked. “I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. John’s baptism – was it from heaven, or from men? Tell me!” Even his questions had authority. No one wanted to answer.
As Jesus intercedes for us I wonder sometimes if he prays like this: “Thank you, Father, for letting me suffer on earth… for I understand suffering. Thank you, Father, for letting the devil tempt me on earth… for I understand temptation. Thank you, Father, for letting me, as the great High Priest, intercede from a position of authority. And now I pray for those who are suffering and for those who are being tempted… deliver them O God.”
“Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death – that is, the devil – and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” Hebrews 2:14-18