Dr. James Tour is a professor at Rice University. His church has a ministry to support families dealing with the challenges of cancer. People need treatment like chemotherapy for months at a time, so families from their church welcome these families into their homes.

Sometimes, as we know, even children get cancer. In the midst of that difficulty, he has seen something powerful. When a child starts to lose their hair because of the treatments, he has seen one of the parents, or both, shave their own head. When that happens, the child doesn’t think they look so different. Further, they know—deep down—that they are not alone in their struggles.*

Dr. Tour explains that this is similar to what Christ has done for us. Hebrews 2 spells it out: “Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself [Jesus] likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil…”

A few verses later we learn that Jesus came not only to take on our flesh and blood, but to die in our place for the forgiveness of our sins (verses 14, 17).

Years ago, when I was new to the idea of faith, I wondered why people made such a big deal about sin. To be honest, I didn’t take Jesus as seriously as I should have, either.

Over time, however, I came to understand how pervasive and problematic sin is. At the same time, I gained a greater and greater appreciation for Christ’s role as Saviour. Generally speaking, when we don’t take sin seriously, we don’t take the Saviour as seriously either. 

Brothers and sisters, in a world-changing act of sacrificial love, Jesus came to earth and took on our flesh. This was an act of grace toward his children. He died in our place so that we could experience peace and adoption with God forever, rose from the grave, and now sits at his heavenly Father’s right hand where he intercedes for us (Romans 8:34). 

Are you broken and imperfect? Yes. But Jesus has also bled and died for you. He also continues to be with you through both the happy joys and the very serious pains of life.

Like those children Dr. Tour mentioned, you can be confident that no matter what happens, you are not alone.

---

Notes:

-*As told on X, September 3, 2025.
-The Up Devotional is published 5 days a week (Monday-Friday) and returns on December 15, 2025.
-Bible quotes are from the ESV.