More than two decades ago, Kristin Demery, Kendra Roehl, and Julie Fisk were among those who gathered for a living-room Bible study started by Kendra and Kristin’s sister, Katrina. When Katrina died at 28, grief cracked their world wide open. Even as their hearts broke and the questions piled up, Jesus drew near—not distantly but intimately, as one who knows sorrow from the inside. It was his nearness, quiet companionship, and unexpected comfort in that season that deepened their faith and eventually drew them to write devotionals together. Through countless honest conversations and shared prayers, they learned that Jesus still walks with us in the places we’re afraid to name. He is still the one who comes close, who steps into our pain, who does not leave. Today, the trio continues to write out of that same place of honesty, inviting others into a life shaped by kindness, friendship, and a faith lived in community. Consider this book an invitation to meet Jesus in the very places you need him most. It’s my joy to welcome these three beautiful women to the farm’s table today…
Guest Post by Kristin Demery, Kendra Roehl, and Julie Fisk
The Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.
Sometimes, we struggle to see Jesus as having been fully human. Fully God, yes.
But human?
Did he feel that irrational flash of anger that swells in us when we accidentally stub our toe? Did he belly laugh at his brother’s corny jokes? Was he annoyed—even momentarily—when his friends woke him up from a well-deserved nap to calm the storm?
Did he ever long to be home with his family after spending so many nights on the road during his ministry?
In truth, it’s easier for me to see him as God despite his human form.
I think that’s why I love the story of Lazarus so much.
It’s not because Lazarus died and Jesus brought him back to life, although that is an amazing miracle. No, what I love most is Jesus’ response to Lazarus’s sisters, Mary and Martha.
“Jesus lamented with his friends, and he laments with us when we experience the fullness of life’s sorrows. Fully God, fully man.“
Jesus had been delayed in returning to Bethany, and by the time he returned, Lazarus was dead. Even though Jesus already knew this and intended to raise Lazarus back to life, when Martha and then Mary confronted him, he was deeply moved.
Some translations say he was troubled, while others say he was angry. The Amplified Bible explains it in perhaps the most comprehensive way: “When Jesus saw her sobbing, and the Jews who had come with her also sobbing, He was deeply moved in spirit [to the point of anger at the sorrow caused by death] and was troubled” (John 11:33, AMP).
He was so moved, in fact, that he responded by weeping.
As someone who has often felt the vulnerability of crying in front of others—even when I’d rather not—I appreciate this visible demonstration of Jesus’ humanity.
“Lent is a time of preparation... It’s not merely a season of self-denial; it’s a softening of our hearts that turns us back to God“
Nothing can convince me of his humanity more readily than the fact that when he saw someone in great pain, he responded with tears of his own. Even though Jesus knew how the situation would end, he met his friends in the moment. He responded to their grief with compassion. Another version of John 11:33 says that Jesus “groaned in the spirit” (NKJV). Jesus lamented with his friends, and he laments with us when we experience the fullness of life’s sorrows. Fully God, fully man.
While the passion and Easter demonstrate the fullness of Jesus as God and Savior, Lent reminds us of his humanity. As with Jesus’ encounter with Mary and Martha, even though we know how the story ends—that Jesus rose again—he meets us in our moment of sorrow over his suffering and death for us. And in doing so, he draws us back to himself.
Lent is a time of preparation.
It’s a period in which we practice giving up or sacrificing one thing in pursuit of something even better. It’s not merely a season of self-denial; it’s a softening of our hearts that turns us back to God. It’s only because of Lent that we’re ready for the celebration of Easter.
“God has no such limitations, and through Jesus, he brings that limitlessness to us—not, as people thought, as an earthly ruler but as a champion of grace, an endless expanse of mercy, a fathomless well of love.“
Only through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus can we begin to comprehend the nature of God’s pursuit of us.
All of this began when the Word—that is, Jesus—became flesh and “made his home among us” (John 1:14). A home is a permanent dwelling place, not a waypoint or a rest area on the side of the road. It suggests comfort, ease, and security. Though he was God, Jesus took his place among us seriously. But, of course, he was meant for more than simply dwelling alongside humanity. The prophet Isaiah, in talking about the Messiah to come, framed it this way:
For a child has been born—for us!
the gift of a son—for us!
He’ll take over
the running of the world.
His names will be: Amazing Counselor,
Strong God,
Eternal Father,
Prince of Wholeness.
His ruling authority will grow,
and there’ll be no limits to the wholeness he brings.
Isaiah 9:6-7, MSG
By definition, our human nature has limitations. Our bodies need air to survive, water to drink, and food to sustain us. We cannot survive subzero or sweltering temperatures without taking shelter.
But God has no such limitations, and through Jesus, he brings that limitlessness to us—not, as people thought, as an earthly ruler but as a champion of grace, an endless expanse of mercy, a fathomless well of love.
As Isaiah says, there are no limits to the wholeness he brings. Only Jesus can bind our wounded hearts, soothe our fears, and inspire hope for the future.
There are no limits to his mercy, grace, love, compassion, forgiveness, and power—he was and is and is to come.
Though our pursuit of God benefits us, the relentlessness of his love, grace, and mercy means that he meets us in the moment, whenever and wherever that may be. And he does so with the full knowledge of what it is to be human, just as we are.
Lord Jesus, thank you for meeting us in the moment—today and every day.
During this Lenten season, may we be reminded not only of the reality of who you are as a divine God but also of the truth that you were fully human.
Thank you for loving us.
May we use the next few weeks to soften our hearts and be drawn to you as Savior, Lord, and friend.
Amen.
For Reflection: How does Jesus’ status as both fully God and fully man impact your understanding of Lent, the passion, and Easter? In what ways can you see both the limitations of humanity and the limitlessness of his divine nature?
Sacred Rhythms: As you walk through the next several weeks, notice your humanity—including your flaws, imperfections, and mistakes—but give yourself grace in all you observe.
Let Jesus meet you in those moments, knowing he understands and wants to face each instance by your side.
Kristin Demery, Kendra Roehl, and Julie Fisk are Central Minnesota authors, speakers, and friends whose lives are intertwined as writers, wives, moms, and world changers. Together, they are the creators of One Story Well Collective, where they share stories that celebrate kindness, faith, and authentic community. Collectively, they are moms to ten children, ranging in age from elementary school to adult, and are passionate about living their faith out loud through intentional acts of generosity, friendship, and gratitude.
Over the past decade, they have coauthored several books, including The One Year Daily Acts of Kindness Devotional, The One Year Daily Acts of Friendship, and their newest release, Sacred and Still: Embrace the Holy Rhythms of the Lenten Season.
Embrace the journey of grace, peace, and hope this Easter.
Jesus invites us to come to Him just as we are―open, unafraid, and ready to receive His boundless love.
In Sacred & Still, Kendra, Kristin, and Julie gently guide us through the season of Lent and unpack what Christ’s sacrifice ultimately means for us. Through this beautiful Christian devotional, explore the deep significance of Jesus’ crucifixion and delight in the celebration of His resurrection. As we make space for Jesus in our lives, we’ll rediscover the true meaning of Easter, empowering us to share Him with others.
More than a call to a deeper understanding of Christ’s grace, Sacred & Still is an invitation to carry the peace and love of Jesus into our everyday lives. As we journey through the still and sacred beauty of the Lenten season, we find healing, freedom, renewal, and purpose in His presence.
{Our humble thanks to Tyndale Momentum for their partnership in today’s devotional.}
