Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be someone else? Nearly 40 years ago, John Howard Griffin darkened his skin color and experienced life in a predominantly white society. In his fascinating book Black Like Me, Griffin describes his travels in the United States, and he tells about the sad discrimination and prejudice he faced.

The Son of God did far more than change His appearance. He laid aside His glory and took on our humanity. He lived on this earth as a man who was despised and rejected (Isa. 53; Phil. 2:5-8). Because of His love for us, He entered into our sorrow, and He came to know by personal experience the feelings we humans have.

The writer to the Hebrews said that because Jesus lived as a man and died for our sins, He is our merciful and faithful High Priest (Heb. 2:14,17). Because He became one of us and knows what it is like to be tempted, He is able to help us when we are tempted (v.18). We can pray in His name with boldness (4:15-16), telling Him in complete honesty our struggles, fears, defeats, needs--even our questionings and doubts. That's why, as we remember all He endured for us as the Son of God from glory, we love Him and strive to please Him.  — Vernon C. Grounds