Most parents of teenagers have heard the following in a moment of tension: “Mom/Dad, you just don’t understand!” It’s not just adolescent hormones or immaturity that produces such frustration. Even as adults we sometimes think that no one could possibly understand what we are experiencing or feeling. Ironically, when teenagers think their parents don’t understand, they forget that their parents were teenagers once themselves and probably felt the same levels of frustration or loneliness.

It is easy to forget that Jesus experienced every temptation and feeling that we experience. True, He didn’t go through the exact same circumstances that we do. But the feelings those circumstances create—frustration, confusion, anger, loneliness—are universal. In His humanity, Jesus Christ went through all the ups and downs of human experience, “yet without sin.” So regardless of what we are feeling—especially when we are tempted—He understands.

Knowing that He can sympathize, take your questions and feelings to Him.

Christ understands loneliness; He’s been through it.
Paul S. Rees