Pictures of Jesus: Weary

I’m tired. Often, I am weary. It sort of goes with the territory for anyone living with multiple sclerosis, as it does for those with hosts of other life challenges. But I am pretty sure I’ve never experienced the sort of soul weariness Jesus did, when He took on the sin of the entire world.

Jesus understands fatigue.

He has been there. I do not begin to understand the mystery of how the all-powerful Son of God could become tired. Can the Lord grow weary?

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom.

(Isaiah 40:28, NIV)

Still, Jesus took on human flesh and weakness for a time. I cannot scarcely fathom the will power it must have taken for Him not to call in angelic forces or summon divine strength when things got tough.

But Jesus endured weariness, temptation, and pain. He faced situations requiring extreme patience, self control and endurance. And He did it.

Christ Consoled by the Angels, by Mexican painter Juan Patricio Morlete Ruiz (1713-1772), captures this concept quite clearly. The image shows angels caring for the Lord after He has been lashed by the Roman guards. One angel catches Him. Others wipe up the blood the Savior has shed, capturing the precious drops in golden goblets. A few more hover over His head, praying and encouraging Him.

Together, these heavenly helpers (called “ministering spirits” in Hebrews 1:14) serve the tired and suffering Messiah, who will soon be carrying His cross to Calvary.

That’s weariness. 

Surely, this One can identify with us in our own weakness, when He shares His own strength with us. For Jesus is not a distant, withdrawn, or unknowing figure. He fully understands what we face. And He accompanies and equips us all the way. What a Savior.

Christ Consoled by the Angels

 by Juan Patricio Morlete Ruiz

18th Century

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The Scripture memory tips series is ongoing, but the April A to Z Blogging Challenge has started, and Heart of a Ready Writer is participating again this year. Watch for the Bible memory series posts, which may be interspersed with the Pictures of Jesus series during the month of April.

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