The focus of Max Lucado’s book In the Eye of the Storm is on what the author describes as the second most stressful day in Jesus’ life. First Jesus hears of John the Baptist’s death and King Herod’s threat on His own life. Soon the disciples arrive, exuberant from their proclamation of the Gospel and the miracles authenticating that proclamation. But Jesus’ disciples are not alone. They’ve been followed by a massive crowd of 5,000 men, plus women and children. The day concludes with a rather stormy boat ride and some water-walking.
Max notes that portions of this day are recorded in all 4 Gospels- a distinction shared only by the Crucifixion. The author theorizes that the Gospel writers anticipated that we would wonder if God truly understands our storms. Max elaborates:
“You may have trouble believing that (God knows how you feel). You probably believe that Jesus knows what it means to endure heavy-duty tragedies. You are no doubt convinced that Jesus is acquainted with sorrow and has wrestled with fear. Most people accept that. But can God relate to the hassles and headaches of my life? Of your life?”
As the writer of Hebrews reminds us, Jesus know how hard it is from down here (as opposed to up there):
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way- yet was without sin.”- Hebrews 4:15
