Jesus Wanted
Art Young, 1917

My dear friends,

Hebrews 2:14-18 begins by stating that Jesus shared in our humanity, taking on flesh and blood, so that through his death, he could destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil. This sharing of our human experience is significant. It demonstrates Jesus' compassion and empathy, as he willingly embraced the same joys and sufferings that we encounter in our lives. Similarly, a Bodhisattva, a being committed to attaining enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings, also regards the world with boundless compassion and empathy.

Moreover, Jesus came to free us from the bondage of the fear of death. Throughout our lives, many of us are held captive by the anxiety and trepidation that death brings. Jesus, through his teachings and sacrifice, offers us liberation from this fear, allowing us to live with greater courage and freedom. In a similar way, a Bodhisattva dedicates their existence to freeing others from the shackles of suffering and fear, guiding them towards liberation and inner peace.

The passage goes on to affirm that Jesus came not to aid angels, but rather to assist the descendants of Abraham. Here, we witness the universality of Jesus' mission, reaching out to all people, regardless of their background or social standing. In the same vein, a Bodhisattva, motivated by boundless compassion, extends their help to all sentient beings without discrimination, embracing the inherent equality and worth of every individual.

Furthermore, Jesus became like his brothers and sisters in every respect, making him a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God. This echoes the qualities of a Bodhisattva who, in their quest for enlightenment, does not distance themselves from the sufferings of others. Instead, they fully immerse themselves in the human experience, cultivating empathy and compassion, and offering solace and guidance to those in need.

Finally, the passage reminds us that Jesus was tested by his own suffering, making him able to help those who are also being tested. This speaks to the transformative power of personal trials. Through his own suffering, Jesus gained a deep understanding of human struggles, enabling him to provide profound support and solace to those in need. Similarly, a Bodhisattva, having traversed the arduous path of enlightenment, emerges with profound wisdom and compassion, becoming a beacon of guidance for others who face their own challenges.

So, what can we learn from these parallels between Jesus and a Bodhisattva? They teach us the importance of empathy, compassion, and selflessness in our spiritual development. By embracing our shared humanity, by reaching out to alleviate the suffering of others, and by encountering and overcoming our own trials, we can cultivate qualities that bring profound meaning to our lives and benefit the world around us.

Let us, therefore, strive to embody the qualities exemplified by Jesus and a Bodhisattva. Let us extend our empathy to all beings, free ourselves and others from the bondage of fear, and become beacons of compassion and solace for those who are suffering. Through our own spiritual development and acts of loving-kindness, we have the capacity to make a positive difference in this world and contribute to the well-being and happiness of all.

May the teachings of Jesus, the Bodhisattvas, and all spiritual guides inspire us to cultivate a heart of compassion, wisdom, and boundless love. May we find the strength to overcome our own trials and be a source of support for others on their journey. And may our collective efforts create a world where all beings can experience liberation from suffering and find lasting peace.