It is 92.5 miles from Nazareth to Jerusalem. Imagine making that 185 mile round trip on foot in all kinds of weather several times a year for the Jewish festivals. Makes driving to church on Sunday seem like snap, right? I mention the half mile because I have a feeling that last half mile on the way home from a festival must have seemed unending as Jesus took one weary step after another with his family and then with his disciples. By the way, today you can take a vehicle on highway 6 from Nazareth and be in Jerusalem in an hour and forty minutes. Do we respect the hardships of New Testament times and appreciate our modern conveniences? Chances are we simply take them for granted without any comparison.
We know that Jesus understands every hardship, trial and temptation we face, but our minds have trouble wrapping around the additional suffering he endured in our place. On his last weary journey to Passover in Jerusalem, he rode a donkey colt that had never been ridden before for the last few miles into Jerusalem. You would think the crowds of people along the way paving the road with coats and palm leaves and shouting “Hosanna” would lift his spirit and cheer him. But he knows that most of those same voices praising and welcoming him will be shouting “Crucify him” in just a few days, as he fulfills prophesy and bears the sins of the entire world, including yours and mine, on his body as he sacrifices himself for us.
Due to age and arthritic knees, I now walk with the help of a walker. I can make it for one city block, one eighth of a mile, before requiring rest. Every time I stand, I ask Jesus to walk with me every weary step of the way and help me make it to my destination. I know he understands my slow steps and is always there with me urging me on. He will walk with you every weary step of the way through sunshine and storm. All you have to do is invite him to join you on your journey.