In John’s Gospel, Jesus said the Father had committed to Him all judgment (John 5:22). Therefore Jesus is ‘that man’ to whom Paul referred. I’m so grateful Jesus is my Judge because, having been ‘tempted in all points like as we are’ (Hebrews 4:15), He understands what I’m going through and the battles I wage.

Before he began his ministry, Ezekiel was caught up by the hand of the Lord and brought to the river Chebar, where the people of Judah were held captive (Ezekiel 3:15). Before Ezekiel delivered His heavy message of judgment, God first had him sit with the captives. So too, Jesus looked on the multitude with compassion (Matthew 9:36). He didn’t come down on the sheep — He felt for them. Why? Because He sat where they sat. He walked where they walked.

Our Leader, Jesus Christ, has gone through everything we’re going through or will ever face. He understands it. Others might say, ‘What’s wrong with you?’ Not our Lord. He says, ‘I understand. I was tempted in the same way. I know exactly what you’re struggling with.’

Before I can be effective in ministry, I must first sit where others have sat. It’s easy to come down on people, easy to find fault with people, easy to be critical of people. But when you sit where they’ve sat, you have a ministry based on compassion and mercy, forgiveness and love.

I believe the Lord allows us to go through hurts, pains, and struggles physically, emotionally, and spiritually because they alone are what give us hearts of compassion.